Greater Western Water gearing up to deliver final stage of major sewer upgrade in Melbourne CBD
30 July 2025
Greater Western Water is getting ready to construct 744 metres of sewer pipe underneath Melbourne’s CBD in a major project which will double the capacity of the sewer and support up to 100,000 new residential dwellings in the CBD over the next 100 years.
The project marks the fourth and final stage of an $160 million upgrade to Melbourne’s CBD sewer network, which GWW has delivered progressively over a number of years.
In the lead up to construction, GWW is working closely with local residents and businesses to keep them informed about the project with pop-up events, meeting with local businesses and residents, installing noise monitoring devices in buildings and offering opportunities to engage online ahead of works starting.
GWW’s General Manager for Growth and Infrastructure Ian Burton said the project was essential to futureproof the city’s sewerage infrastructure for generations to come.
“Parts of Melbourne’s sewer system date back to the late 19th century, when Melbourne was a much smaller city. These essential works will ensure the sewer system can meet the needs of our population as it grows for the next 100 years” he said.
“We’re engaging with the community who live, work or do business in the area, so they’ll know what to expect when the works start, and we’ll take steps to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.” said Mr Burton.
GWW has appointed Aqua Metro to deliver the project, with site investigation works already completed.
Construction is expected to start on Spencer Street in late 2025, followed by Siddeley Street and Wurundjeri Way. GWW will keep local community members and businesses up to date with construction timings in the coming months.
GWW aims to reduce impacts to the surrounding roads and the community by using a tunnel boring machine to install the pipeline.
As part of the major upgrades to the city’s sewer network, GWW completed a new 700-metre-long sewer pipe under Elizabeth Street from Lonsdale Street to Victoria Street in 2024.
