

Hinchinbrook Shire Council wishes to advise residents that sewer manhole condition assessments will be conducted from Friday 17 April 2026 to Monday 18 May 2026, weather permitting. The majority of the 800-plus sewer manholes are located within Ingham, many on private properties, and contractors have been engaged to carry out condition assessments requiring access to these sites. Contractors will carry official identification at all times when on-site.
These assessments will involve inspecting and evaluating the condition of existing sewer manholes to identify any required repairs or upgrades. The assessments will be conducted across both residential and commercial properties. Access to private properties will be required to inspect the sewer manhole network. Affected property occupants will be notified in advance via written communication. The notification will request that occupants ensure safe and unobstructed access to the site, including securing pets and managing any potential hazards (for example, dogs on the property), to enable the works to be carried out safely and without delay. Where safe access cannot be obtained, the inspection may need to be rescheduled.
Council will work closely with contractors to minimise any disruption to your daily routine. The assessments may involve minor excavation or disturbance in close proximity to sewer manholes. This work is necessary to determine the structural integrity of the manholes and may include the use of small machinery, such as an excavator, to gain access to the manhole locations. There will be no disruption to your water or wastewater services during the assessment process. Any disturbance to your property will be kept to a minimum, and affected areas will be reinstated to their original condition. Safety, noise, and environmental controls will be in place at all times to reduce the impact of these works on the local community.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we undertake these important assessments for the ongoing maintenance of our sewer infrastructure. If there are any concerns, please call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4776 4600 or by emailing council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au so that it can be investigated and resolved.
Caption: Manholes in the Ingham area are undergoing assessment. Photo sourced: Shutterstock