Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delivering essential trunk sewer infrastructure to support future residential development in key growth areas of the Shire. This work ensures that land identified for long-term housing opportunities can be serviced safely and efficiently when development occurs.
The project includes:
- construction of new trunk sewer mains
- installation of a new sewer pump station
- an extension of the reticulated sewer main along Townsville Road to Toobanna
- integration with existing sewer infrastructure in Ingham
These works will provide future connection points for development while maintaining the character and lifestyle of existing neighbourhoods. No sewage treatment plant (STP) is being constructed as part of this project, and existing homes will not be required to connect.
Why This Work Is Needed
The Hinchinbrook region has several identified residential growth areas, including Toobanna (Como Road and Scovazzis Road) and Sir Arthur Fadden Drive in Ingham. These areas offer flood-resilient land suitable for housing but currently lack the sewer infrastructure required for new development.
This project will unlock more than 300 future lots, supporting housing choice and long-term population sustainability for the Shire. Completing trunk infrastructure in advance ensures development can occur progressively and responsibly, in line with planning, environmental, and community expectations.
What This Means for Residents
- There is no impact on existing homes.
- Council is not mandating sewer connections for current properties.
- The works are underground and will not change the community’s rural character or lifestyle.
- Future development will occur gradually and only where private landowners or developers lodge applications.
- Council is providing the major connection point only — developers must build all internal subdivision infrastructure.
This project is about strategic readiness, ensuring the Shire has the right services in place as our community grows over time.
The trunk sewer infrastructure projects are proudly funded by the Queensland Government ($7.3 million) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council allocated across two infrastructure projects.
Who Delivers Future Housing?
Council is not building housing. Any new residential development will be led by private landowners or developers, who must:
- submit a development application
- meet planning, engineering, and environmental requirements
- construct internal roads, drainage, sewer, and service infrastructure
- obtain approval before connecting to Council’s trunk network
Council’s role is to ensure any proposed development aligns with the Planning Scheme and protects the character and liveability of the area.
Project Status
Community updates will be provided ahead of construction.
Learn More
A detailed Frequently Asked Questions document is available below for download. For further information or to provide feedback, please contact Council on (07) 4776 4600.