Project
- Plumbing Infrastructure Upgrade
Key Challenges
- Decommissioning ageing septic infrastructure while maintaining live services to occupied residences.
- Managing tight site access and live underground services within an active residential setting.
- Delivering works during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, creating program and environmental risks.
Outcomes
Full decommissioning of ageing septic infrastructure and connection to new sewer mains
Continuous sewer services maintained for all residents throughout construction
Improved long-term reliability and reduced environmental risk across the entire residency
The Client
Yumba-Meta Limited is a First Nations-led, not-for-profit organisation delivering community housing and culturally appropriate support services. The organisation supports residents across its housing portfolio, providing safe and sustainable accommodation outcomes for vulnerable members of the community.
As a critical provider of essential housing services, Yumba- Meta plays a significant role in ensuring long-term asset sustainability and regulatory compliance across its properties. The sewer infrastructure upgrade formed part of a broader asset improvement program designed to strengthen service reliability and environmental performance.
What we achieved with our Customer
The project objective was to decommission the existing septic system and connect the facility to newly installed sewer mains, improving compliance, reducing environmental risk, and strengthening long-term service reliability. The works affected the entire residency, requiring a carefully controlled methodology to ensure uninterrupted services for all occupants.
Our team implemented a staged delivery approach that allowed continuous sewer services to remain operational on the occupied side of the building while excavation and connection works progressed. Hydrovac excavation was undertaken prior to mechanical trenching to positively identify underground live services, significantly reducing risk and ensuring safe execution within constrained site conditions.
Environmental controls were implemented throughout septic decommissioning to manage contamination risks, particularly during periods of heavy rain and localised flooding. Despite weather-related delays, the program was carefully resequenced to maintain compliance obligations and minimise disruption to residents.
Close coordination with council authorities supported timely approvals and inspections, ensuring full regulatory compliance upon completion. Through structured planning, stakeholder communication, and disciplined site management, the transition from septic infrastructure to sewer mains was completed seamlessly, delivering a reliable and sustainable outcome for Yumba-Meta and its community.
“AE Smith demonstrated strong planning and sensitivity throughout the upgrade of our sewer infrastructure. The team maintained essential services to our residents while navigating weather challenges and complex site conditions. The result is a safer, more reliable system that supports our long-term housing strategy.”
Representative, Yumba-Meta Limited
