A request for tender is underway for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, which forms part of a more than $300 million investment to deliver water security to the Southern Downs and Toowoomba communities.
The request for tender for a head contractor follows Seqwater’s industry briefings and the expression of interest process held in late 2023. Shortlisted construction firms are now tendering, with local business partnership opportunities to follow.
Pre-construction work continues on the pipeline, including detailed design development, landowner negotiations and ongoing environmental and technical investigations to help finalise the pipeline design and support project approvals.
The pipeline will carry water from Wivenhoe Dam to Toowoomba via existing water infrastructure and then deliver water to Warwick through a new 109km pipeline, providing a drought contingency supply for the Southern Downs and will facilitate a permanent water supply to Toowoomba satellite communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton.
The pipeline will run primarily underground, beginning in Highfields by connecting into the existing Toowoomba Regional Council pipeline network, near the Mount Kynoch Water Treatment Plant. This new connection will transfer water from Wivenhoe Dam to the Warwick Reservoir near Leslie Dam in the Southern Downs.
Once complete, the pipeline will boost water security by transferring up to 7.3ML of water per day to Warwick when needed.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Local contractors and suppliers are encouraged to register interest on the Seqwater website.
Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said that the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline is further proof of the State Government’s commitment to water security throughout Queensland.
“While it’s great to see the dams at good levels, we know our rainfall has its ups and downs – which is why we’re delivering this important project,” Mr Butcher said.
“I’m pleased to see progress on this important pipeline which is delivering long-term water security to Toowoomba and the Southern Downs, so critical for supporting the ongoing resilience, liveability and prosperity of this region.
“Importantly, the project will support more than 400 jobs during delivery and we encourage local businesses to register their interest in the project with Seqwater.
“I want to thank both the Southern Downs and Toowoomba Regional Councils for working with the state on this important water security project.”
Seqwater Interim CEO, Will Harpham, said that Seqwater is proud to be delivering this important water security project and it looks forward to seeing the project continue to move forward.
“Following early planning, detailed design and geotechnical investigations, Seqwater is pleased to progress with procurement for the head contractor as we continue to plan for on-site works in 2025,” Mr Harpham said.
MinStaff Survey Lead Surveyor, Joshua Lynch, said that as a Toowoomba-based business, MinStaff has been pleased to have the opportunity to provide surveying services on the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project.
“It’s great having a large infrastructure and water security project on our doorstep. It’s an excellent opportunity for local businesses who are invested in the region and can bring local knowledge and expertise to support delivery.”
Image: M2020/shutterstock.com
