The Western Australian Government is continuing its support of local businesses in the WA Wheatbelt by employing local contractors to carry out works on the Water Corporation’s ‘Farmlands Water Supply Improvement Program.’
The three-year project will include the replacement of 64km of pipeline and the repair of 7,500 pipeline joints in the Wheatbelt area.
Currently, more than 7,800km of pipelines serve communities in the agricultural east and west districts of the Wheatbelt.
WA Water Minister, Mia Davies, said it was great to see local expertise involved with the Water Corporation project.
“Eight of the first 10 pipeline replacement contracts were awarded to local Wheatbelt businesses, which is a great outcome for the businesses and the community,” Ms Davies said.
“The other two were awarded to a joint venture, including an Aboriginal-owned business with operations in the Wheatbelt.
“These 10 projects will replace about 15kms of pipeline and will be completed around mid-2016.
“It is pleasing to see this level of local involvement and I am confident this will continue for the remainder of this project over the next three years.”
Ms Davies said that to date, all successful bidders have employed Aboriginal workers, which provides opportunities for them to increase their involvement, participation and employment in the industry.
Ms Davies also said there are another 10 pipeline replacement projects currently being designed, with tenders to be advertised by the Water Corporation in coming months.
“I encourage all local businesses to continue to investigate opportunities and work together to bid on projects,” Ms Davies said.
The repair of more than 3,000 pipeline joints is scheduled for completion in June 2016.
