Seqwater open expressions of interest for head construction contractor in $300m Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline project

Construction of the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline project is full steam ahead as Seqwater release expressions of interest for head construction contractor, which could see a major benefit for local Southern Downs businesses. See where the project is up to here.

The construction of the highly contested Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline could see a major benefit for Southern and Darling Downs businesses as Seqwater opens tender for head construction contractor to deliver the $300m project.

Seqwater recently held briefings in both Toowoomba and Warwick to discuss the procurement process and opportunities ahead for business and industry representations involved in the project.

The Palaszczuk’s government’s official sign-off on the project earlier this year caused a stir, with Southern Downs MP James Lister calling the announcement a “slap in the face” for Stanthorpe residents.

“I won’t say no to any new water infrastructure, but it is a slap in the face to see this pipeline to Warwick prioritised when it was the town of Stanthorpe and its farmers which ran out of water for more than 12 months recently,” Mr Lister said.

While Stanthorpe’s water security still hangs in the balance, an integral part of the construction contract for the Southern Downs is a procurement policy that gives local business weighted favour for subcontracting work.

Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the pipeline will bring important water security and economic benefits to the region, with more than $690,000 already spent locally.

“The opening of the expression of interest is a significant project milestone and this procurement policy is a major win for local businesses to access subcontracting opportunities,” he said.

State water minister Glenn Butcher looks at the corridor for the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline, which is still under pre-works.

Spanning more than 100km, once completed the project along with existing infrastructure will hold the capacity to transfer up to 7.3 megalitres of water per day to Warwick, while providing permanent water supply to the residents in the Toowoomba Regional Council communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton.

The Southern Downs will see its share of the benefit, with a drought contingency supply available to residents in Warwick, Allora and Yangan.

Seqwater have released a map of the proposed Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline alignment, ahead of their tender for a head construction contractor.

Seqwater chief executive Neil Brennan said the group was committed to ensuring the pipeline project delivers maximum value and benefits, with a focus on engaging local suppliers during constructions where feasible.

“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,” he said.

Expressions of interest are now open for construction businesses with a request for tenders to follow shortly.

Seqwater expect to have awarded the head construction contract by December 2024.

Originally published as Seqwater open expressions of interest for head construction contractor in $300m Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline project