Project Details
When the Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) needed critical upgrades at the Proserpine Wastewater Treatment Plant, they turned to GE Maintenance Solutions (GEMS) to deliver a solution that would keep the site running while major overhaul works were carried out.
The challenge? Remove and refurbish a full inlet screen and screw conveyor without shutting down the plant.
Planning the Approach
Wastewater treatment plants never sleep. Shutting down both inlet screens at once would have caused operational risks, so our team had to think smarter.
GEMS developed a plan that kept one screen running continuously while we removed the other inlet screen and its screw conveyor for overhaul. This staged approach meant the site remained fully functional while major maintenance was underway, a great example of how careful planning keeps communities running smoothly behind the scenes.
The Overhaul Works
Once our methodology was approved, the team got to work. Key upgrades included:
- Replacing screen baskets, brushes, and liner bars to restore screening efficiency.
- Installing new plastic liners in the screw conveyor for improved wear life.
- Carrying out weld repairs on damaged sections of the screw conveyor trough.
- Sending each screw to a local engineering partner for blasting and repainting, supporting local industry along the way.
- Reinstalling, aligning, and commissioning the refurbished equipment before moving on to the second screen.
By working systematically, we were able to overhaul both inlet screens and screw conveyors with minimal disruption.
Delivering Results
With both screens refurbished and back online, the Proserpine facility now has:
- Increased reliability
- Extended equipment lifespan
- Reduced maintenance risk for operators
This project wasn’t just about replacing parts, it was about engineering confidence for the council, operators, and community who depend on these systems every day.
Why This Matters
Wastewater infrastructure is one of those things most people never think about, until it stops working. At GEMS, we take pride in keeping Queensland’s water treatment plants running safely and efficiently, so that towns like Proserpine can rely on the invisible systems that protect their environment and community health.
From careful planning to hands-on execution, this project shows how GEMS delivers more than maintenance — we deliver solutions that keep Queensland’s essential infrastructure moving.
👉 If your facility needs specialist wastewater maintenance, get in touch with the GEMS team today.