Supervisor Robert Batley, Cockatoo resident Lynden Taylor and (behind) Yarra Valley Water contractors Carmine Dicarlo, Robert Dicarlo and Anthony Rametta.
By Tania Martin
COCKATOO residents will soon say goodbye to septic systems as Yarra Valley Water starts construction on a sewerage system for the town.
Shire of Cardinia Ranges Ward councillor Graeme Legge said the Cockatoo sewerage system was a step forward for the town and the local environment.
He said septic systems were not always properly maintained and could leak hazardous waste and affect the water quality of local streams.
Cr Legge said reducing the number of septic tanks in the shire would be a real advantage for Cardinia residents.
Residents from 103 homes will benefit from the first stage of construction of the sewerage project.
Cockatoo resident Lynden Taylor said the introduction of the sewerage project was great for the town as it would eradicate a lot of the odours associated with septic systems.
Mr Taylor said although it would be expensive to connect to the system, it was a step forward for Cockatoo.
He said he would like to see council subsidies for pensioners to connect their homes to the sewerage system.
“There are a lot of elderly people around here who can connect to the system as long as the council helps them out,” he said.
Yarra Valley Water (YVW) media officer Emma Hiller said stage one of the project should be finished by the end of the year.
YVW managing director Tony Kelly has called for Cockatoo residents to connect to the sewerage service once construction is completed as the existing septic system poses a risk to the health of the community and the environment.
Mr Kelly said poorly maintained septic tank systems could leak hazardous waste into soil, drains, creeks and waterways.
YVW has been working closely with the Shire of Cardinia, VicRoads, the Environment Protection Authority and the local community over the past few months to ensure minimal disruption was caused to residents during the construction of the sewerage system.
Project manager Ruth McDonnell said the final sewer design had incorporated ideas provided by residents following consultation with the Cockatoo community.
