Search for head contractor for $300m Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline now underway

The delivery of the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline is a step closer to construction as procurement commences for the project. 

The Request for Tender process for a head contractor is now underway following Seqwater’s industry briefings and the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process in late 2023. Shortlisted proponents are now invited to submit tenders and local business partnership opportunities will follow. 

Pre-construction works are continuing to progress. This includes detailed design development, landowner negotiations and ongoing environmental and technical investigations that will help finalise the project’s design and support the approvals process. 

“Seqwater is proud to be delivering this important water security project and we look forward to seeing the project continue to move forward. 

“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,” Seqwater Interim CEO Will Harpham said. 

Key components of the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project include: 

• Pipeline construction from Toowoomba Regional Council’s Pechey Pipeline (just upstream of Mount 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 on the Toowoomba Regional Council towns od 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 

The pipeline will carry water from Wivenhoe Dam to Toowoomba via an existing water infrastructure then deliver water to Warwick through the new 109-kilometre pipeline. 

Not only will this project facilitate a permanent water supply to Toowoomba satellite communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton, but it will also provide a drought contingency supply for the Southern Downs. 

“As a Toowoomba-based business, we’ve been pleased to have the opportunity to provide surveying services on the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project. 

“It’s great having a large infrastructure and water security project on our doorstep. It’s an excellent opportunity for local businesses who are invested in the region and can bring local knowledge and expertise to support delivery,” MinStaff Survey Lead Surveyor Joshua Lynch said. 

The pipeline will be built primarily underground, starting in Highfields by connecting into the existing Toowoomba Regional Council pipeline network near the Mount Kynock Water Treatment Plant. The new section of pipeline will transfer water from Wivenhoe Dan to the Warwick Reservoir near Leslie Dam in the Southern Downs. 

The pipeline will transfer up to 7.3 megalitres of water a day to Warwick when needed once it is completed, boosting the region’s water security. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline is expected to be completed in early 2027. 

Local contractors who are interested in getting involved in the project can register their interest through Seqwater’s website. 

The Queensland Government has committed over $300 million towards this project that is anticipated to create more than 400 jobs during its construction. 

“While it’s great to see the dams at good levels, we know our rainfall has its ups and downs – which is why we’re delivering this important project. 

“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 the region. 

“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. 

“I want to thank both the Southern Downs and Toowoomba Regional Councils for working with the state on this important water security project,” Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Seqwater; Infrastructure Magazine