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Recycled water at Fishermans Bend

As part of the Fishermans Bend project, we’ll design and construct a water recycling plant (WRP) to mine sewage from the Hobsons Bay sewer main and treat it to class A recycled water standard. The WRP site is located just off Sardine Street within the Fishermans Bend Employment precinct (see map below). The precinct scale size of the plant means it will allow us to supply recycled water to properties and outdoor areas such as parks and gardens to create drought-resilient green spaces which enhance liveability.

We’re currently in the concept design phase for the WRP. During this phase we’ll investigate potential design options and what process the WRP will use to treat the wastewater.

We’re planning for the future by investing in alternative water schemes to make our communities more resilient to climate change and conserve our precious drinking water supplies.

WRP Site Demolition Project (Stage 1)

The Fishermans Bend Water Recycling Plant (WRP) Site Demolition Project is being delivered in two stages to prepare our Sardine Street site for future use. This is an important step towards delivering the water recycling plant and supporting the broader water strategy for Fishermans Bend. 

We are currently in Stage 1. Since June 2026, we have demolished four existing buildings and disconnected associated services and assets. We anticipate Stage 1 will be complete by late-2026, depending on weather and site conditions.

In the next stage of the project, we will relocate underground assets and services.

 

What we're doing

Stage 1 will be delivered in three phases:

Phase 1 involved early works to help plan and prepare for the project. This phase is now complete.

Phase 2 prepared the site for demolition. This included installing new perimeter hoarding along Network Drive (please see parking impacts section below), removing asbestos from buildings, and setting up temporary site compounds at the Sardine Street site. This phase is now complete.

Phase 3 involves demolishing the four existing buildings on the Sardine Street site and installing permanent fencing. We are currently in this phase of the project. 

Now that the buildings have been demolished, we'll commence permanent fencing installation works. 

The fencing works will involve: ­­­

  • Installing temporary fencing approx. 1m within Network Drive to safely delineate the work zone for approximately six working days. 
  • saw-cutting with dust suppression
  • removal and disposal of kerb and excess concrete using a small excavator & bobcat
  • an electrical spotter during excavation near underground high voltage assets
  • Non Destructive Digging (NDD) investigations to positively identify assets prior to breaking ground
  • reinstatement works after the removal of the garden beds and kerbing.
When it's happening

You can expect us to work Monday to Friday between 7 am and 7 pm and Saturday between 8 am and 3 pm as required. On the odd occasion, we might need to work at other times for safety, technical or permit reasons.

  • Early to mid June 2026: Hoarding along Network Drive was installed and we prepared our Sardine Street site for upcoming works. 
  • July 2026: Asbestos was removed from buildings, by a licensed asbestos removalist and under the supervision of a construction hygienist, before demolition.
  • 20 - 24 July 2026: Sewer and drainage pit investigation works along Nomad and Network Drive. Traffic Management was in place to allow for safe movement around the work zones. 
  • July to late October 2026: Demolition works.  
  • Early to late-November 2026: Installation of permanent boundary fencing along Network Drive. 
    • From 4 November: Non-Destructive Digging (NDD) site investigations along Network Drive 
    • From 10 November: Kerb and garden bed removal along Network Drive
    • From 19 November: Mesh fencing installation along  Network Drive
What might impact you

We’ll do our best to keep impacts to a minimum, however these are the kinds of things you might notice while we complete fencing installation works:

  • Reduced parking along Network Drive (see parking impacts information below)
  • Increased dust around the site  
  • Construction and demolition noise
  • Increased activity at the Sardine Street site with more workers, vehicles and equipment in the area.
  • Temporary fencing approx. 1m within Network Drive to safely delineate the work zone.

We'll take steps, including dust suppression, to manage impacts and minimise disruption where possible. 

Don't miss these details

We’re working with BFHI (Beca, Fulton Hogan, Interflow joint venture) to help us.

A temporary site compound is set up on SEW’s Sardine Street site to support the works.

We'll keep those in the area updated as the project continues.

Where we'll be working

Parking impacts

A new boundary fence will also be installed along South East Water’s property boundary. As a result, parking along sections of Network Drive (on SEW property) will no longer be available for public use from 1 June 2026. 

Please do not park along Network Drive, near the construction area during works.

 

Frequently asked questions

Our delivery partner Beca, Fulton Hogan, Interflow Joint Venture (BFHI) will undertake these works on behalf of South East Water.

As part of the early works, we’re doing site investigations, such as surveying and subsurface investigations to inform the demolition works.  

A new perimeter fence will also be installed along South East Water’s property boundary. As a result, parking along sections of Network Drive will no longer be available for public use from 1 June 2026. 

Access to businesses on Sardine Street and Network Drive will be maintained during these works.

Documents

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Fishermans Bend: Project overview

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Send us an email
Fishermansbend@sew.com.au

 

Call us
1800 055 465