The WA Government has broken ground on upgrades to the state’s longest water pipeline, the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS), which will be delivered by Water Corporation to secure water for more than 100,000 residents in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt.
To be delivered as part of the $543 million project investment by the WA Government, the works will involve:
- the replacement of 44.5 kilometres along the pipeline’s 566-kilometre route;
- duplication of Binduli Reservoir to support a 10% increase in the pipeline’s capacity; and
- new pipes manufactured in Kwinana using Pilbara iron ore and Cockburn cement designed to last up to 150 years.
“This project is about securing the infrastructure regional communities need to grow and thrive,” said Premier, Roger Cook.
“As part of our Seven Cities vision, we’re ensuring the Goldfields has the essential services needed to create jobs and support new economic opportunities in regional WA.
“By manufacturing the pipeline in WA, we’re backing local industry today, and with a lifespan of up to 150 years, we’re delivering the water security and economic foundations the Goldfields and Wheatbelt will rely on for generations to come.”
Designed and built by C.Y. O’Connor between 1898 and 1903, the GAWSS is one of WA’s most significant infrastructure pieces, delivering water to regional communities for more than a century.
“This upgrade will increase the scheme’s capacity by 10 per cent, helping us meet growing demand and secure reliable water supplies well into the future,” said WA Water Minister, Daniel Pastorelli.
“Replacing 44.5 kilometres of ageing pipeline is a major step in renewing this historic infrastructure, to ensure this vital scheme can continue serving the Goldfields and Wheatbelt for generations.
“The new pipeline sections are being built to last up to 150 years, combining modern engineering with careful preservation of an important part of WA’s history.”
For more information, visit:Â www.watercorporation.com.au/goldfieldspipereplacement.
