Seqwater has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for a head contractor to deliver the $300 million Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project.
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 109km Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline – together with existing infrastructure – will have the capacity to transfer up to 7.3mL 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.
Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said, “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 have seen 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.”
Seqwater CEO, Neil Brennan, said, “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.
“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.”
Featured image: Seqwater T2W briefing. Image courtesy of Seqwater.
