Progress on the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline has taken a step forward with the launch of a Request for Tender.
This project, part of a substantial $300 million investment, aims to deliver long-term water security to the Southern Downs and Toowoomba satellite communities, while also creating over 400 jobs during its construction phase.
Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher said while it’s great to see the dams at a good level, rainfall has its ups and downs, which is why delivering the pipeline is so important.
“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,” Mr Butcher said.
“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.”
The tender process for a head contractor follows Seqwater’s industry briefings and an Expression of Interest (EOI) process held in late 2023. Shortlisted construction firms are now in the tendering phase, with further opportunities for local business partnerships anticipated.
Seqwater Interim CEO Will Harpham expressed optimism about the project’s advancement. “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.
Pre-construction work continues including detailed design development, landowner negotiations and ongoing environmental and technical investigations to help finalise the pipeline design and support project approvals.
The new pipeline will transport water from Wivenhoe Dam to Toowoomba via existing water infrastructure, before extending to Warwick through a new 109-kilometre pipeline.
This development is critical for providing a drought contingency supply for the Southern Downs and ensuring a permanent water supply to the Toowoomba satellite communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby, and Clifton.
Primarily running underground, the pipeline will connect to the existing Toowoomba Regional Council pipeline network near the Mount Kynoch Water Treatment Plant in Highfields. From there, it will transfer water from Wivenhoe Dam to the Warwick Reservoir near Leslie Dam in the Southern Downs, capable of delivering up to 7.3 megalitres of water per day to Warwick when required.
The project is slated for completion in early 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting. Local contractors and suppliers are encouraged to register their interest via the Seqwater website.