The Government of Western Australia (WA) has awarded the contracts for the replacement of 44.5km of older sections of the Goldfields Pipeline, part of an A$543m ($376m) upgrade to the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS).
WA firms Georgiou Group and the SRG Global McConnell Dowell joint venture (JV) have been awarded the contracts.
The announcement marks a significant step in Stage 1 of the extensive project led by Water Corporation.
The works will include renewal of pipeline infrastructure, upgrades to valves, and the construction of a duplicated Binduli Reservoir.
Pipe sections for the project are being manufactured in Kwinana by Steel Mains, using Pilbara-sourced iron ore and concrete from Cockburn Cement.
The upgrades are expected to increase capacity across the network by up to 7.2 million litres daily, a 10% boost to supply.
The additional water supply aims to address growing demand from regional industry and communities, while also contributing to improved service reliability.
The contracts will see more than A$170m directed to WA contractors and subcontractors, including at least A$7m allocated to Aboriginal businesses.
Local communities in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt areas are set to benefit from A$12.4m in expenditure, with the overall project supporting more than 230 jobs.
The construction of the Binduli Reservoir in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is due to commence later in the year, offering additional employment opportunities in the region.
WA Water Minister Don Punch said: “The awarding of these contracts marks another important step in delivering the Cook Labor Government's A$543m investment in the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme, helping secure Western Australia's water future.
“This investment will increase the scheme's capacity and reliability to support future growth across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt, while delivering jobs and opportunities for local businesses.”
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said: “The Goldfields Pipeline is vital to our region, supporting local communities, industry and economic development.
“These upgrades will help ensure the scheme can continue meeting the needs of a growing region, while creating opportunities for local businesses and workers along the way.”
The GAWSS extends from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie, providing water to more than 100,000 households, mines, farms and businesses in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt.
The project falls under broader efforts to enhance essential infrastructure and support economic activity in regional WA.
