Superpipe depth to increase to 1.15 metres

Central Highlands Water and the Hepburn – Moorabool – Mt Alexander Landowners group met last night to receive and discuss the Central Goldfields Superpipe Depth of Installation report on pipe depth for the potato growing region around the Ballarat section of the Goldfields Superpipe.

The independent report was commissioned by Central Highlands Water in response to landholders' concerns over the depth of the pipeline, which will link the Ballarat & District water supply to the Murray-Goulburn system, providing long-term water security for the district.

The report has recommended that the pipeline have a minimum depth of 1 metre to the sand cover over the pipe.  With the sand cover being 150mm deep, the total minimum depth of the pipeline will be 1.15 metres.  Central Highlands Water had originally planned a minimum depth of 0.6m which is consistent with the Australian industry standard on such pipelines, but had agreed with the landowners group that it would investigate and place the pipe at a deeper depth based on demonstrated need.

It was noted in the report that the Superpipe is a graded pipeline which means at least 80% of the pipeline will be deeper than the minimum depth of 1.15 metres. 

The minimum depth cover will allow landholders to carry out their normal farming practices whilst at the same time protecting the Superpipe from any accidental damage.

It was agreed that the Landholders group will respond to Central Highlands Water within the next week.