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60% construction of the Toowoomba Pipeline

Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline

Seqwater is delivering the approximate 109 kilometre Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline (the pipeline) on behalf of the Queensland Government.

The Queensland Government has confirmed more than $300 million in funding for the project, and this investment will boost water security in the Toowoomba and Southern Downs regions.

Seqwater will construct, own, maintain and operate the pipeline which is expected to be ready in early 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

 

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About the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline

Seqwater is delivering the approximate 109 kilometre Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline (the pipeline) on behalf of the Queensland Government.

The Queensland Government has confirmed more than $300 million in funding for the project. The pipeline investment will boost water security in the Toowoomba and Southern Downs regions. Seqwater will construct, own, maintain and operate the pipeline which is expected to be ready in early 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Seqwater delivered the detailed design and preparatory works for the pipeline in April 2022, which included survey, ecological and geotechnical investigations, capital cost estimates, a review of environment and heritage approvals.

The pipeline will transfer raw water from just upstream of Mount Kynoch Water Treatment Plant (Toowoomba) to Warwick Reservoir (near Leslie Dam). The water will be sourced from Wivenhoe Dam via the existing Wivenhoe to Cressbrook pipeline and other water infrastructure owned by Toowoomba Regional Council.

The pipeline will run along existing road reserves and easements for most of its route. Some strips of property along the route will need to be temporarily or permanently acquired for safety or efficiency reasons. Seqwater will speak to affected property owners as details of the route are finalised.

Seqwater’s website will keep you updated about progress of the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline.

For more information about why the pipeline is needed and its background, please see the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water project website.

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  • Three men in business shirts meeting around a large screen, with an aerial map on it

    Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline Project - procurement update

    Design and planning works are continuing for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project to boost water security in the Toowoomba and Southern Downs regions.

    Once complete, the underground pipeline will facilitate a water supply to Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton and serve as a drought contingency water supply for residents within the Southern Downs Regional Council areas of Warwick, Allora, Yangan, and by carting south to Stanthorpe and Killarney. Work on the pipeline is due to commence in 2025, and Seqwater will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.

    Seqwater is working towards the appointment of a suitably qualified head contractor to deliver the construction phase of the project. A market expression of interest was recently completed, and the Request for Tender has now been released to shortlisted construction firms.

    In selecting a head contractor, Seqwater will give weighted favour to contractors that commit to engaging local subcontractors and suppliers.

    The project will involve trades associated with pipeline installation, civil works, fencing, traffic control, concrete works, reservoir and pump station construction and is estimated to support an average of 400 jobs during the construction phase.

    Local contractors and suppliers are encouraged to register their interest via our website at www.seqwater.com.au/toowoomba-warwick-pipeline-project-registration-form to be added to a register which will be provided to the head contractor, once appointed.

    If you would like more information on the project, contact the project team via 07 3432 7000 (during business hours) or email [email protected].

    Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline alignment thumbnail

    Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project update

    Planning and design works are continuing for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project that will supply a permanent water supply to residents in the four Toowoomba Regional Council towns of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton.

    The pipeline, when complete, will also serve as a drought contingency water supply for residents within the Southern Downs Regional Council areas of Warwick, Allora, Yangan, and by carting south to Stanthorpe and Killarney.

    Seqwater is in the process of completing detailed ecological investigations to help progress the design development and inform which locations along the pipeline route should be avoided, where possible. These investigations are completed via a combination of desktop and field survey techniques to identify and ground-truth protected plant species, important habitats, valuable waterway environments and significant or locally important street trees along the alignment.

    Geotechnical investigations are also underway and will likely continue into December 2023, subject to weather and unforeseen conditions.

    EPBC referral

    As part of the environmental regulatory process, Seqwater has submitted an Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC) referral. This process is administered by the Australian Government to help protect unique plants, habitats, animals, and places.

    To view the referral, visit https://epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au/all-referrals/, and search for EPBC number 2023/09644.

    Please note, Seqwater has taken a very conservative approach with the EPBC referral by assessing all options for the pipeline footprint, while the final design is confirmed. In other words, the EPBC referral assesses a broader area than is likely to be part of the pipeline alignment. 

    Finalisation of the pipeline route is a complex process and is subject to ongoing discussions with Toowoomba Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, and landholders, as well as engineering and environmental considerations.

    We recognise that projects can have an impact on the environment and therefore we are committed to minimising and mitigating impacts where possible and demonstrating environmental responsibility by meeting any legislative, regulatory and duty of care requirements.

    Corridor alignment update

    The project remains in the pre-construction phase and Seqwater is on track to confirm the finalised pipeline route in early 2024. The pipeline will run along existing road reserves and easements for most of its route for safety and efficiency reasons. Seqwater is engaging with affected property owners as details of the route are finalised.

    While the pipeline route and design are still being confirmed, it is anticipated that the pipeline will be located completely underground. Once the design and route are finalised, Seqwater will share details with the community.

    A copy of the latest corridor alignment map is available on our web page (scan QR code below) or if you would like a hard copy, please or email the project team and we can mail you a copy.

    Procurement update

    Seqwater is working towards the appointment of a suitably qualified head contractor to deliver the construction phase of the project. A market expression of interest (EOI) is underway and Seqwater recently hosted two industry briefings in early November 2023 at Toowoomba and Warwick, ahead of the planned tender release in early 2024. In selecting a head contractor, Seqwater will give weighted favour to contractors that commit to engaging local subcontractors and suppliers. The project will involve trades associated with pipeline installation, reservoir construction and pump station construction and is estimated to employ more than 400 workers during the construction phase.

    Keeping you informed

    Once the pipeline route has been finalised, we will share this information with the community. We will also continue to keep you updated as the project progresses.

    In the meantime, to sign up to our project updates, simply email us requesting to be added to the ‘Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project update list’. If you would like more information on the project or to view the latest corridor alignment map, click on the link below or contact the project team via:

    Receiver outline   07 3432 7000 (during business hours)

    Envelope outline   [email protected]

    World outline   www.seqwater.com.au/project/toowoomba-warwick-pipeline

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    Attendees at the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project market briefing

    Local business opportunities in the pipeline during Toowoomba to Warwick project build

    Seqwater is set to open the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for a head construction contractor to deliver the $300 million Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project, with local business partnership opportunities to follow.


     

    Briefings were held on Wednesday 1 November in Highfields and Warwick, where Seqwater updated Toowoomba and Southern Downs businesses and industry representatives on the project, procurement process and opportunities ahead.

    A key feature within the construction contract will be a procurement policy where local businesses are given weighted favour for subcontracting work.

    The project will involve trades associated with pipeline installation, reservoir construction and pump station construction and is estimated to employ more than 400 workers during the construction phase.

    Once complete, the approximate 109-kilometre Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, together with existing infrastructure, will have the capacity to transfer up to 7.3 megalitres of water per day to Warwick.

    This will provide a permanent water supply to residents in the four Toowoomba Regional Council communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton.

    Additionally, drought contingency supply will also be available to residents in the Southern Downs Regional Council towns of Warwick, Allora and Yangan.

    Seqwater will construct, own, maintain and operate the pipeline, which is expected to be completed in early 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

    The EOI will open on 10 November, available on the QTenders website. A request for tender will follow, after which the awarding of the head construction contract is expected by December 2024.

    Quotes attributable to Water Minister Glenn Butcher:

    “The Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline will bring important water security and economic benefits to the region.

    “Already in this pre-construction phase, over $690,000 has been spent locally and we’ve seen several Toowoomba businesses engaged to provide earthworks, surveying and drilling services as well as equipment hire, with plenty more opportunities ahead once construction commences.

    “The opening of the EOI is a significant project milestone and this procurement policy is a major win for local businesses to access subcontracting opportunities.”

    Quotes attributable to Seqwater CEO Neil Brennan:

    “We’re committed to ensuring the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline delivers maximum value and benefits, together with a focus on engaging local suppliers during the build where feasible.

    Local business opportunities in the pipeline during Toowoomba to Warwick project build.

    “Following the strong interest at the market briefings, our project team looks forward to continuing to keep potential suppliers, stakeholders and our communities updated as we move towards selecting the construction contractor.

    “We encourage local businesses to sign up for project updates and reach out to the potential contractors to see what opportunities there may be during the construction phase.”

    Quotes attributable to Minstaff Survey Lead Surveyor, Joshua Lynch:

    “Minstaff Survey is a Toowoomba-based business that has been providing surveying services to the project.

    “We’re pleased to help progress the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, which will provide additional water security to rural towns in the Toowoomba and Southern Downs region.

    “Having a large infrastructure project on our doorstep is an excellent opportunity for local businesses who are invested in the region and can bring local knowledge and expertise to support project delivery.”

    60% construction of the Toowoomba Pipeline

    Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC) referral now live

    As part of the environmental regulatory process, Seqwater has submitted an Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC) referral in relation to the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project. This process is administered by the Australian Government to help protect our unique plants, habitats and animals.

    To view the referral, visit https://epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au/all-referrals/project-referral-summary/?id=0dcdba60-7d4c-ee11-be6f-000d3a7948ab. Or visit https://epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au/all-referrals/, and search for EPBC number 2023/09644.

    Seqwater has taken a very conservative approach within the EPBC referral by assessing the worst-case pipeline footprint, while the final design is confirmed. In other words, the EPBC referral assesses a broader area than is likely to be affected.  Finalisation of the pipeline route is a complex process and is subject to ongoing discussions with Toowoomba Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council and landholders, as well as engineering and environmental considerations.

    We recognise that projects can have an impact on the environment and therefore we are committed to minimising impacts where possible and demonstrate environmental responsibility by meeting any legislative, regulatory and duty of care requirements.

    For more information, please contact our team via [email protected] or phone 07 3432 7000.

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    Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline industry briefings coming soon

    Planning is now well underway for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline Project. As part of this work, Seqwater is conducting two industry briefings for contractors, suppliers and industry participants ahead of an Expression of Interest being released.

    The Toowoomba and Warwick Pipeline briefings will introduce Seqwater and the project, provide details about the proposed delivery model, outline the approach to partnering throughout the project and possible local industry opportunities.

    The details for each event are outlined below.

    Toowoomba event details

    • Date: Wednesday 1 November 2023
    • Time: Arrival at 9.00am (AEST) to register for a 9:30am start (allowance 90 mins approx.)
    • Location: Highfields Cultural Centre – Sean McCarthy Way, Highfields QLD 4352

    Warwick event details

    • Date: Wednesday 1 November 2023
    • Time: Arrival at 2.00pm (AEST) to register for a 2:30pm start (allowance 90 mins approx.)
    • Location: Warwick Town Hall – 72 Palmerin St, Warwick QLD 4370

    To register for an event, please click https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/toowoomba-to-warwick-pipeline-project-briefings-2737479.Spaces may be limited and Seqwater requests a maximum of two persons per company attend each event.

    Participation in the industry briefings is not a prerequisite for Expression of Interest submissions. For further procurement information, email [email protected].

    Worker in hivis conducing a technical survey

    Technical surveys to occur in coming months

    Technical surveys are being conducted for the Toowoomba to Warwick raw water pipeline between April and October 2023.

    What surveys are being undertaken and when?

    Further surveys for the Toowoomba to Warwick raw water* pipeline are taking place between April and October 2023, and include: 

    • ecological surveys                   
    • contour and detail survey
    • services location survey
    • geotechnical investigations. 

    These surveys will inform the development of the detailed design.

    During this time, you can expect to see people in high visibility vests and personal protective equipment along roadsides, railways, public easements and waterways undertaking the work across the region.

    * Raw water is water from rivers, streams and lakes, which is transported to a water treatment plant (WTP) for treatment, then supplied as drinking water.

    Ecological surveys

    The ecological surveys include flora, fauna and aquatic ecological assessments.

    Flora survey

    A flora (plant) survey is a walk-through of any vegetated areas to identify protected plant species.

    The survey usually occurs during daylight hours and the duration will vary. No ground disturbance or intrusive investigations are required. Photographs are taken of plants and GPS coordinates of identified protected plants may be recorded (no photographs of people, houses or other property features will be taken).

    Fauna survey

    A fauna (animal) survey will vary depending on the species of interest. The survey may involve observations (daylight or evening hours), call back and recording equipment, and nets or traps to temporarily catch the animal or gather hair samples.

    Aquatic survey

    An aquatic survey involves ecologists traversing a waterway to identify species.

    Contour and detail surveys

    The contour and detail surveys will be undertaken by a team of two or three surveyors to capture ground level measurements and record physical features on the ground such as trees or fences. The team will undertake the surveys on foot using a GPS survey pole and total stations. 

    Services location surveys

    A services location survey involves a small team potholing to locate underground utilities and services, such as water, gas, and electrical lines.

    Geotechnical investigations

    Geotechnical investigations will be conducted to understand the type and strength of ground conditions (soil and rock). This information will assist in refining the pipeline design.

    What is involved?

    The investigation involves one or two bore holes to obtain geological samples which will determine the suitability of ground conditions for the pipeline, and its detailed design.  

    Truck-mounted borehole drills, or excavator, and associated support vehicles will be on-site during daylight hours. 

    The area at each site for investigation works is nominally 15m x 10m, but this will vary according to the site geography. The anticipated time for each investigation is up to four days, depending on access and ground conditions. 

    Water used during drilling will be contained within a purpose-built tank and recirculated until the hole is completed. This prevents any spill into surrounding waterways. Safety measures will be put in place at the conclusion of daily works and the site restored at completion. 

    All investigations will be conducted by a supervisor, lead driller, a drilling hand, and an engineering geologist, as required.

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    What preparation work has already been completed?

    Seqwater completed the preparatory works for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline on behalf of the Queensland Government. The team delivered the preparatory works and detailed design for the pipeline in April 2022 which included survey, ecological and geotechnical investigations, capital cost estimates, a review of environment and heritage approvals, and more.

    What will the pipeline route be? Is it going by my house?

    Seqwater is currently undertaking detailed investigations, including geotechnical, environmental and topographical surveys to finalise the pipeline route and design.

    The pipeline will run along existing road reserves and easements for most of its route. There are some locations where that is not possible, and the project will need to temporarily or permanently acquire part of a property for safety or efficiency reasons. Seqwater will speak to affected property owners as details of the route are finalised. Once the design and route are finalised, we will share the details with the community.

    The approximate 109 kilometre pipeline will transfer raw water from just upstream of Mount Kynoch Water Treatment Plant (Toowoomba) to Warwick Reservoir (near Leslie Dam). The water will be sourced from Wivenhoe Dam via the existing Wivenhoe to Cressbrook pipeline and other water infrastructure owned by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

    The major components of the project are:

    • pipeline connection from Toowoomba Regional Council’s Pechey Pipeline (just upstream of Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant)
    • approximately 109 kilometre pipeline from the connection point with Pechey Pipeline to the Warwick Reservoir
    • two reservoirs at the northern end of the pipeline, each holding 3 megalitres of water
    • offtakes at the Toowoomba Regional Council towns of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby, Clifton, with state funding for water treatment facilities
    • one intermediate pump station and balance tank enroute
    • a pipeline connecting Allora borefield supply to the main pipeline
    • pipeline termination at a new 15 megalitre reservoir (Warwick Reservoir), replacing Council’s existing small balance tank near Leslie Dam.
    Will the pipeline be above ground?

    While the pipeline route and design are still being confirmed, most of the pipeline will be underground. Once the design and route alignment are finalised, we will share the details with the community.

    Will the pipeline impact water security?

    Seqwater will facilitate an agreed operations strategy for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline in consultation with the Toowoomba and Southern Downs regional councils and the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.

    Wivenhoe Dam provides more than 286,000 megalitres to customers in Brisbane and South East Queensland each year. This includes 10,000 megalitres that can be taken by Toowoomba Regional Council when its local supplies run low.

    A volume of up to 2,665 megalitres per annum required by the Southern Downs during drought is less than one percent of the water available from Wivenhoe Dam.

    It does not impact the amount of water that Toowoomba is allowed to take from the dam. Toowoomba Regional Council residents will not have their water security affected by the separate supply to the Southern Downs Regional Council, if it’s required during prolonged drought.

    What community consultation will be undertaken as part of the project?

    The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water undertook consultation in 2022.

    Seqwater will speak to affected property owners as details of the route are finalised. Seqwater will advise the community of the pipeline route once confirmed and is committed to working with the community as the project progresses.

    What measures will be taken to protect the local environment during construction?

    As part of the planning and delivery for this project, Seqwater has undertaken extensive ecological and other environmental investigations. Both desktop and field surveys were used in the investigations, to identify and ground-truth protected plants, important habitats for plants and animals, waterway environments at pipeline crossing points, and significant and locally important street trees.

    We recognise that projects can have an impact on the environment and we are committed to ensuring we minimise our impact and demonstrate environmental responsibility by meeting any legislative and regulatory requirements.

    The project has used publicly available information and field survey to identify environmentally sensitive areas along the pipeline route, and these have been thoroughly investigated. This has helped to inform locations to avoid for the pipeline route, where possible, as well as inform any mitigations needed to be in place during construction. Investigations will continue as the pipeline route is adjusted.

    What plans are in place to protect cultural heritage?

    Seqwater is engaging with the relevant Aboriginal Parties to ensure that cultural heritage is managed appropriately. The project is being designed to avoid heritage impacts, wherever possible.

    I have a local business, how will it be considered for opportunities?

    Local businesses who wish to be considered for the construction activity should contact Seqwater via email below.

    Who can I contact for more information?

    You can contact the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project team via email at [email protected] or on 3432 7000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

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