Central Highlands Regional Council has partnered with Queensland Health and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the expansion of Blackwater Hospital can proceed without risking critical underground infrastructure.
The hospital upgrade includes plans for a new helipad on the northern side of the site. However, directly beneath the construction area lies a vital 450mm sewer main, which plays a key role in Blackwater’s wastewater network. Building on top of the pipe without proper precautions could have caused serious damage, the Council said in a statement.
General Manager Infrastructure and Utilities, Jason Hoolihan said Council worked closely with project partners to find a solution that protected the essential pipeline. A thorough inspection of the pipe was carried out before construction, and it was reinforced with a special epoxy lining that not only strengthened it but also extended its life by another 50 years.
“This was a tricky project, but by working together and thinking ahead, we’ve been able to support the hospital’s growth while keeping important infrastructure safe,” said Mr Hoolihan.
“We’re proud to contribute to a project that will benefit so many people in the community.”
With these careful steps in place, the hospital expansion can go ahead as planned, ensuring better healthcare facilities for Blackwater while safeguarding essential services for the future, said Mr Hoolihan.
