More than 16,000 properties between Rye and Portsea can now choose to connect to a new $357 million sewerage system, in some cases 18 years ahead of its scheduled rollout.

More than 16,000 properties between Rye and Portsea can now choose to connect to a new $357 million sewerage system, in some cases 18 years ahead of its scheduled rollout.

The Southern Mornington Peninsula is the last unsewered area in Melbourne’s south-east.

“Rye residents are starting to enjoy the benefits of connecting to the reticulated sewerage system and, with this project launched today, residents in surrounding areas now have the option of choosing to connect to the system ahead of the scheduled rollout,” Water Minister Mr Walsh said.

“Poorly maintained or overflowing septic tanks pose a risk to public health, the environment and waterways – so the sooner properties can switch to the reticulated system, the better.

“To fast-track the project, South East Water has developed new technology that will free up capacity in the existing sewage transfer system and enable up to 4,000 early connections.

“In the largest project of its type in Australian history, construction of the entire reticulation network of 230 kilometres of pipes will occur in less than 30 months – rather than within the conventional timeframe of 16 years.

“With construction fast-tracked and new technology to accommodate more connections, customers can choose to pay for an early connection to the system or stick with the scheduled program.

“Early connection is offered in addition to the scheduled rollout, which will begin in Rye and work progressively towards Portsea. No customer will be worse off with this initiative.”

South East Water Managing Director Kevin Hutchings said he was keen to progress works on the project, which had been in planning for several years.