Pipeline construction set to begin

Orange City Council awarded Leed Engineering & Construction the $23.5 million contract to design and construct the pipeline, that’s designed to improve water access and security in areas serviced by Council and Central Tablelands Water.

Orange Mayor John Davis OAM, is delighted by the tender price which will see both stages of the project covered by the available funding.

“This project is another example of local and state government agencies working together for the benefit and security of the region,” Cr Davis said.

“The building of this significant piece of infrastructure also delivers a major shot in the arm for the local economy, and provides terrific value for money for taxpayers.”

Orange City Council selected Leed Engineering & Construction from a short list of seven construction companies nominated in June this year.

“Leed has extensive experience in the field and has built a number of pipelines throughout Australia, including the Macquarie to Orange Pipeline.”

The engineering design of the pipeline itself is expected to begin immediately, with construction to commence in early 2017. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

The conceptual design and route of the two-way underground pipeline from Orange to Carcoar, via Spring Hill, Millthorpe and Blayney, has already been finalised. It is proposed the majority of the pipeline would be built in road corridors, with only small sections on private land.

The project received $21.21 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program, set up to improve water security and help communities prepare for further drought conditions.

The funds originally covered the first stage of the pipeline project, stretching from Orange to Blayney. However, the tender price accepted in this week’s council meeting means that both stages of the project can now be completed within the NSW Government’s existing grant.

As a result of this significant saving, Central Tablelands Water is now planning to upgrade two water treatment plants at Blayney and Carcoar in order to realise the full potential of the expansion, and will be seeking additional funding accordingly.

General Manager of Central Tablelands Water (CTW), Gavin Rhodes, said he was delighted that the full length of the pipeline could be completed using available funds.

“The Blayney to Carcoar pipeline is crucial to delivering the full benefits of the overarching project,” Mr Rhodes said.

“It is fantastic news that the contract awarded last night covers design and construction of the entire pipeline.

“In order to get the best result for the people of the region, we’ll be seeking funding for a number of key upgrades to the two treatment plants.”

CONSTRUCTION: Leed Engineering and Construction laying the pipeline for the Macquarie Pipeline.

For more information about the project, visit http://yoursay.orange.nsw.gov.au/pipelines