Wheatbelt pipe replacement projects on track

Thursday, 4 August 2016
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• More than 13km of water pipes replaced under $32 million farmlands water supply improvement program
• Opportunities continue for local businesses to bid for work 

More than 13 kilometres of water pipes across the Wheatbelt have been replaced since the Liberal National Government's three-year $32 million farmlands water supply improvement project began in December 2015.

Water Minister Mia Davies said the Water Corporation project aimed to improve the performance of the farmlands water supply network across the Wheatbelt.

"The program has also had a positive flow-on effect for the local economy, with projects involving local businesses," Ms Davies said.

"The biggest pipe replacement project to be undertaken to date involved 5.4km of pipe being replaced along McHugh Road and Parker Road near Minnivale.

"This work was carried out by a joint venture of Underground Services Australia and AACT, a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned and operated company with operations in the Wheatbelt.

"Another project will soon be completed by a Wheatbelt-based contractor near York, and is expected to finish this week. The contractor will then begin work on pipe replacements within the Shire of Trayning.

"Of the 11 contracts to be awarded so far, nine went to Wheatbelt businesses, with the remaining two awarded to the joint venture, Underground Services Australia and AACT."

The Minister said there were still opportunities for local businesses to bid for work, with public invitations to tender for pipe replacement and pipeline repair projects to be advertised by the Water Corporation over the next few months.

Fact File

• The farmlands water supply improvement project will replace more than 64km of pipeline and repair 7,500 pipeline joints
• Smart water meters will also be installed across the farmlands to help identify leaks on customer properties and the wider supply scheme.  It is expected these meters could save up to 250 million litres of water each year
• For information about upcoming work, visit http://www.watercorporation.com.au/farmlands