Waraba Wastewater Network

In the wake of site closures and the effects during and immediately following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s landing along the Queensland South-East Coast, our crews from Killard Tallai Joint Venture (KTJV) noticed damage to the property of a resident within the wastewater pipeline construction works area.

As a neighbourly gesture and another way of thanking residents for their patience and goodwill during construction, the crew got to work assisting with cleanup efforts and reinstating the affected driveway.

The crew installed a drainage gully to ensure excess water runoff wouldn’t cause further property damage and were careful to make sure the gully was appropriately covered and safe for pedestrians. They also used 5mm rocks to reinstate the damaged driveway and restore safe and smooth access for the residents.

KTJV, who have been working hard to deliver the Waraba Wastewater Network Project, have built and fostered many positive relationships with residents, businesses, schools and community organisations throughout the Waraba (Caboolture West) area. Crews were also on the ground before the storms to assist the community by distributing sandbags and helping residents prepare their homes and properties.

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred fast approaching, Killard Tallai Joint Venture (KTJV) has stepped up to support the local community by ensuring residents have access to much-needed sand and sandbags.

After reaching out to City of Moreton Bay, KTJV learned council supplies were running low. In response, the team arranged for a skip truck to deliver 10 tonnes of sand from the project’s site compound to a local sandbag collection point. Further, KTJV team members also provided extra sandbags and hands-on assistance, helping residents fill and load sandbags to protect their homes and businesses.

While KTJV’s focus has been on delivering the Waraba Wastewater Network Project alongside Unitywater, they have also built strong ties with the community throughout the project. Having been welcomed with open arms, the team wanted to give back and support residents as they prepared for the severe weather ahead.

KTJV and Unitywater remain committed to working alongside the Caboolture West community—not just by building essential infrastructure but by being there when help is needed most.

In early March, Unitywater and Killard Tallai Joint Venture (KTJV) were pleased to bring forward trenching works on the Waraba Wastewater Network Project and reopen a busy intersection months ahead of schedule.

The trenching works on Einasleigh Street, which were initially forecasted to be completed by the end of May, are an important part of the larger Sewer Rising Main (SRM) project taking place throughout the Waraba (Caboolture West) area.

To minimise disruption to the community and local developers, crews were able to adjust the construction schedule to finalise the works over the weekend period. Importantly, these expedited works allowed for a significant decrease in traffic disruptions around Minimbah State School, which is right around the corner from the affected intersection.

Throughout the project, Unitywater and KTJV have been committed to minimising disruptions to residents as much as possible through noise and dust control methods including sound blankets, water trucks, and community engagement efforts.

Thanks to the patience of residents in the areas surrounding the Einasleigh Street intersection, the weekend works helped to move works forward quicker and make the area more accessible for everyone.

After trenching works in late 2024, we’re excited to announce that resurfacing and restoration of Centennial Court in Upper Caboolture is now complete. Trenching was a key step in the Waraba Wastewater Network Project, helping us upgrade pipes and improve the reliability of the wastewater network.

While necessary, trenching can be a bit disruptive, so we worked closely with residents throughout the process to ensure safe access to homes and roads. Our principal contractor, Killard Tallai Joint Venture (KTJV), helped keep everything running smoothly, and we’re proud to say that the area has been restored to its original (and even better!) condition.

Thanks to the patience and understanding of the residents, we’ve navigated some weather challenges and are thrilled with the results.

In early February, it was a thrill to host a community coffee cart morning in Caboolture West as a token of our appreciation to the surrounding community members for their patience and goodwill during the past few months of construction of the Waraba Wastewater Network Project.

Together with our principal contractor, Killard Tallai Joint Venture (KTJV), we are scheduled to commence the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) phase of the project later in the month and we expect to have this drilling work completed under the Dobsons Creek and Sheep Station Creek sites by end of May.

With delicious coffee brewed by local baristas Xpresso Morayfield in hand, representatives from our delivery team had the opportunity to thank residents in person and answer questions about the upcoming construction works. . We also had a visit from local Councillor Tony Latter, who expressed his support for the project and its role in preparing the area for the future.

HDD is a trenchless underground drilling technique that is designed to minimise overall disruption to the surrounding environment and existing infrastructure. The project will involve drilling a hole underneath Dobson and Sheep Station Creeks, expanding the hole to the required diameter and pulling a pipe through.

Residents reported that the frequent and transparent communication from Unitywater was helping with planning around the traffic disruptions and helping to ease construction fatigue, and the coffee event was heralded as an overall a great success.

Pictured: Moreton Bay Regional Council's Division 12 Cr Tony Latter dropped in for a coffee and connect to learn more about the Waraba Wastewater Network Project HDD construction process.

The Waraba Wastewater Network Project is well underway and with the assistance of our delivery partner, Killard Tallai Joint Venture (KTJV), we are on track for completion by the end of 2025.

The project comprises of a new wastewater pumping station and 4.5 kms of wastewater pipeline to meet the future demand of the growing Waraba (Caboolture West) community.

While our crews were busy at work early this year, they encountered challenging heat wave conditions, with recorded temperatures of up to 42 degrees onsite.

On a particularly hot day, a crew member from BMD Group, working on our neighbouring construction site, noticed an electrical contractor who was in distress. After immediately calling for help, the unwell contractor was examined by the BMD site medical team who organised for him to be taken to Caboolture Hospital for further review.

The contractor was given a clean bill of health and discharged, and KTJV were proud to present the BMD team with a gratuitous safety award at the next toolbox talk. As a safety refresher, KTJV has been reminding all crew members of high heat protocols and supplying all crews with plenty of electrolyte replacements, cold water and ice.

On hot days, following high heat protocols is super important. For a friendly reminder:

• If you’re feeling unwell, notify someone immediately.
• Make sure you know where your closest rehydration station is.
• Be aware of the Heat Stress Temperature and alter or cease your activities in accordance.
• Ask your supervisor for electrolyte replacements if necessary.
• Know the signs and keep an eye out for any crew members who might need assistance.

Pictured: KTJV team presenting the BMD team with a gratuitous safety award for their assistance with a contractor during the recent heatwave.

During construction of the wastewater pipeline along Walker’s Road, our team discovered a family of Australasian Swamphens nesting close to the alignment. With three eggs in their nest and both parent birds nearby, our team devised a plan to work around the birds with minimal disturbance.

They positioned steel plates around the nest to shield it from construction equipment and machinery moving along the pipeline alignment; it meant that our crews could continue working while keeping the birds safe.

Our crews are committed to keeping watch for any wildlife they encounter during construction and taking protective measures to keep them safe. Well done team! :)

We were pleasantly surprised to see a koala making its way up a tree in one of our Protected Tree Zones along Walkers Road. One of our crew was able to capture the moment on video and share it with others in the team. It’s not often we get to see koalas this closely, so this was pretty special!

We work closely with environment and koala rescue groups on all our projects, ensuring that where vegetation removal is required, qualified specialists such as arborists oversee the process, prioritising the retention of koala habitat trees wherever possible.

The team were straight onto having a sign installed, asking people to drive carefully in the area to watch out for these sleepy natives.

Our construction team discovered a magpie nest with three eggs in a tree marked for removal on Riverparks Way. With the help of a fauna spotter, the team moved to protect the magpie's family. Using an Elevated Work Platform, the nest was carefully relocated to a nearby tree of similar height, ensuring the nest remained safe.

Crews noticed a magpie soon returned to inspect the new nest location, and to their relief, accepted it. This successful relocation highlights our commitment to balancing construction with environmental care, ensuring wildlife protection while advancing the project.

One of our construction crew discovered a bird's nest nestled in a tree at the edge of the construction zone today. The nest contained three baby birds.

To protect the nest during construction, our team installed a temporary fence around the tree. Signs were posted to ensure the area was respected, and construction proceeded without disturbing the birds.

The parent birds continued to care for their chicks, with the buffer zone ensuring the nest remained undisturbed during works. Great work team!