GWMWater is reviewing the method of delivery for the construction of the eastern Grampians pipeline.
Cape Dunstan were awarded the early works contract to deliver the design and undertake the work necessary to secure the alignment of the pipeline corridors and nominate sites for facility assets such as pump stations and storages.
Planning processes have been much more complex for the East Grampians Rural Water Supply Project than predecessor rural pipeline projects delivered by GWMWater. The elapsed time is such that GWMWater has reassessed the delivery method for the project.
The Lake Fyans pumping station rebuild was tendered separately and a price secured that provided a much better value outcome. We are now in the process of finalising the method of delivery for the remainder of the project.
Construction of the pipeline will help secure the future of rural landowners and small towns around Ararat by providing a reliable, secure high-quality supply of water all year-round. This is another community in the region that will benefit from the water savings secured by the delivery of the Wimmera Mallee pipeline.
GWMWater Managing Director, Mark Williams, said revisiting the market presented an opportunity to deliver the best possible outcome for customers.
“Given current cost pressures, we are committed to getting the best value for money to service as much of the project footprint as possible,” he said.
“We consider the current market conditions offer the best opportunity to deliver the project that we anticipate commencing in April 2024.”
“The pipeline design is finalised and only a few kilometres of pipeline alignment are to be secured. A performance based, construct-only contract will ensure we deliver the best value for money for the project, allowing us to service the maximum number of customers with the available funding.” Said Mr Williams.
The East Grampians Rural Water Supply Project was announced as a jointly funded project by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund, the Victorian Government and GWMWater in 2018.
In 2023 the Australian Government and Victorian Government provided formal approval for a revised scope to be built within the $85.2m funding that is currently available.
The revised scope builds from the water sources – Lake Fyans and Mt Cole – and allows for future connections to the network. This initial stage captures approximately 70% of meter points identified for the project.
Earlier this year, the power supply at Lake Fyans was upgraded in preparation for the construction of a new pump station. GWMWater awarded a tender for these works in October 2023 as the first stage of construction of the project.
Lake Fyans will be the main water source for the East Grampians pipeline, with smaller volumes of water being sourced from Mt William headworks or gravity fed from Mt Cole.
GWMWater will continue to engage with customers and landholders about the revised scope of the project as the pipeline tender is awarded and network design finalised.
For more information about the East Grampians Rural Water Supply Project, and a live map updated as the project progresses, please visit gwmwater.org.au/egrp