Unitywater has replaced 2,462 fire hydrants and 155 valves across its service area as part of a $400 million replacements and renewals program to improve water and wastewater assets over the next five years.
The replacement works ensure these assets meet the right water pressure and flow rates for firefighting purposes to keep the community safe.
Unitywater Acting Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Ivan Beirne, said 676 fire hydrants were replaced across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa over the past two years, with the other 1,786 replaced in the Moreton Bay region.
“Additionally, we’ve completed an inspection and maintenance program of more than 68,000 hydrants and completed 10,000 maintenance jobs over the past five years, which is a significant investment to support community safety,” Mr Beirne said.
“These works enhance water supply flow rates and improve access for emergency services, ultimately safeguarding the community.”
Mr Beirne said the valve and hydrant replacement program replaced assets nearing the end of their useful life and made them more accessible if they were located in driveways or in gardens.
“Excavation works are required at some sites and crews work with residents to manage access and restoration,” he said.
“Our crews work to minimise any impacts on the community and if a water outage is necessary for the works, we notify residents in advance.”
Mr Beirne said it was an ongoing maintenance program and an additional 500 fire hydrants were being replaced in the 2025-26 financial year.
For more information visit: www.unitywater.com/hydrantsandvalves
