Major project to improve sewerage infrastructure resilience

South East Water is proud to partner with Abergeldie, BMD & KBR (ABK) to strengthen Cardinia Shire’s sewerage infrastructure, supporting one of Victoria’s fast growing communities.  

The Pakenham Wet Weather Storage and Pumping Station project includes the construction of 2 earthen, concrete-lined lagoon storages at the Pakenham Water Recycling Plant with a combined holding capacity of 19.5 million litres.  

A wet weather sewage pumping station will then transfer sewage from the sewer system to these lagoons during large wet weather events. 

South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions, Charlie Littlefair, highlighted the benefits of the project.  

“This project is about future-proofing our Pakenham Water Recycling Plant and protecting the environment,” Mr Littlefair said. 

“By increasing the plant’s hydraulic capacity and temporarily storing excess sewage, we can minimise the risk of sewer spills during wet weather and return the sewage to the system when conditions improve. 

“Over the next 10 years, we’ll continue expanding and improving our water and sewer network infrastructure to support the housing growth that's needed to accommodate Melbourne's fast-growing population.” 

Flow and load forecasts show that without this project, significant wet weather events will exceed the existing hydraulic capacity of the Pakenham plant– resulting in a higher risk of spills.  

Currently in the detailed design phase, the project is set to start on-site works in August 2025, with completion expected by October 2026. 

No customer service disruptions are expected, with only minor increases in traffic movement near the Pakenham plant during construction. 

“We’re committed to keeping our customers informed as this project progresses and ensuring we minimise impacts to the local community,” Mr Littlefair added. 

The Pakenham Wet Weather Storage and Pumping Station project is located in Cardinia Shire, one of 7 growth area municipalities identified by the Victorian Government.