The WA Government has awarded contracts to replace 44.5 kilometres of ageing sections of the Goldfields Pipeline as part of its delivery of a $543 million upgrade of the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS).
WA-based Georgiou Group and SRG Global McConnell Dowell Joint Venture have secured contracts for the pipeline replacement works, which form part of Stage 1 of the program and will use pipe sections Made in WA.
Delivered by Water Corporation, Stage 1 includes pipeline renewal, valve upgrades, and duplication of the Binduli Reservoir.
The Government says the upgrades will unlock up to 7.2 million litres of additional daily capacity across the scheme – a 10% increase – helping meet growing demand from industry and communities while improving reliability.
“The awarding of these contracts marks another important step in delivering the Cook Labor Government’s $543 million investment in the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme, helping secure Western Australia’s water future,” said Water Minister, Don Punch.
“This investment will increase the scheme’s capacity and reliability to support future growth across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt, while delivering jobs and opportunities for local businesses.
“More than $170 million from these contracts will be spent with WA contractors and subcontractors, including at least $7 million with Aboriginal businesses, ensuring the benefits of this major infrastructure investment stay in Western Australia and contribute to a stronger, more diversified economy.”
More than $170 million will be spent with WA contractors and subcontractors, including at least $7 million with Aboriginal businesses. Wheatbelt and Goldfields communities will also benefit from $12.4 million in local expenditure.
Pipe sections are being manufactured by Steel Mains in Kwinana using Pilbara iron ore and lined with Cockburn Cement concrete.
Construction of the duplicated Binduli Reservoir in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is expected to begin later this year.
Stretching from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie, the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme supplies more than 100,000 homes, farms, mines, and businesses across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt.
