FAQs
Using modern, well-maintained equipment.
Implementing dust suppression methods, such as watering down exposed areas when needed.
Scheduling the loudest activities during approved daytime hours.
Maintaining and cleaning the temporary bypass system to prevent odours.
All work will comply with relevant environmental regulations and codes of practice.
Minimising how much vegetation we need to clear.
Installing wildlife exclusion fencing.
Having a qualified fauna spotter onsite during clearing.
Educating our on-site work team on what to do if a Koala is spotted.
Replanting and improving habitat to support koalas long term.
Will there be any impacts to my water or wastewater service?
There will be no impacts to your water or wastewater services. We are installing a temporary bypass so the wastewater network can continue to operate while the upgrade is underway.
Will there be any traffic impacts during construction?
Traffic impacts will be minimal. You may notice a temporary increase in trucks travelling along Duffield Road to access the site. All construction vehicles will enter via the existing Council Waste facility, so traffic management on Duffield Road will not be required.
Will there be out of hours work?
The majority of work will be undertaken during the day between 6:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday, weather and site conditions permitting. In some situations, we may need to carry out work on weekends and evenings. We will notify the community in advance.
Due to the tidal nature of the area in which we are working, our work teams will schedule some of the construction activities around low tide, for the safety of our team, the project, and the environment.
Why is the old pipeline not being removed?
Our outfall pipeline from the Redcliffe Wastewater Treatment Plant runs through the wetland area beside Hays Inlet. This is an important habitat for many native species, so protecting it is a priority for us.
As part of our planning, we carried out detailed environmental surveys. These showed that safely decommissioning the existing concrete pipes and leaving them in place would cause less disturbance than digging them up. Excavating them would require major works through sensitive wetland areas, which would have a much greater impact on the environment.
By leaving the old pipes where they are, we can upgrade the network while better protecting the surrounding habitat.
How will noise, dust, and odour be managed during construction?
We understand that noise, dust, and potential odour can be a concern. We are committed to minimising these impacts by:
Will local walking tracks or recreational areas be impacted?
Yes, for your safety, recreational walking tracks in the immediate work area will have restricted access during construction. Please observe all on-site signage and barriers. We will ensure alternative routes and clear information about closures are provided where possible. Full restoration of these areas will occur once works are complete.
How will the community be kept informed during the project?
We will keep stakeholders informed through proactive and timely engagement. This includes work notifications and project updates as work progresses.
Community Members can also get updates on our website or contact our project lead Mandee Kozera on 0484 350 274 or email unitywater.projects@downergroup.com
What environmental assessments have been undertaken?
We have worked with specialist environmental consultants to carry out a detailed Environmental Assessment for this project. This assessment looked closely at soil, water quality, flora and fauna, noise, air quality, waste, and any potential cultural heritage impacts.
Using these findings, we have developed an Environmental Management Plan that guides how we’ll carry out the work. This plan helps us avoid impacts where we can, minimise them when we can’t, and manage them responsibly throughout the project.
How will these work impact local koalas in the area?
Koalas are an important part of this area, and we are committed to looking after them by:
What happens if a Koala is found in the work area?
If a koala is spotted nearby, all clearing stops straight away.
Our qualified fauna spotter and project arborist will step in to make sure the animal is safe before any work continues.
How much vegetation will be removed?
The project has been designed to minimise vegetation clearing wherever possible. A small amount of vegetation will need to be removed to allow temporary access along the pipeline alignment during construction. This clearing will be limited to a narrow footprint following the pipeline route. This will allow temporary access for the team. The project laydown area has also been located within an existing cleared area incorporated in City of Moreton Bay’s spoil location, helping to minimise impacts.