Contractors appointed to build the Ballarat Link of the Goldfields Superpipe

Central Highlands Water today announced that Pipecon and Leed Engineering have been appointed the contracts to construct the 87 kilometres of the Ballarat Link of the Goldfields Superpipe. The pipe-laying contract has been divided into North and South sections to ensure the entire length of the pipeline can be constructed simultaneously, saving overall construction time.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Brennan, said that the awarding of the pipeline construction contracts was another major step forward for the project which will secure the Ballarat & District water supply for the next 50 years.

“This project remains on track and on budget for scheduled delivery in June 2008,” said Mr Brennan.

Pipecon is constructing the 48.5 kilometre South section from the White Swan Reservoir to the Loddon River with work scheduled to commence in June.  The North section, 38.5 kilometres from Lake Eppalock to the Loddon River will be constructed by Leed Engineering.

Both contractors have extensive experience in pipe-laying including soil restoration and general environmental proficiency and were selected from a number of national companies bidding for the contract.

A number of community information sessions along the route are being planned and details will be provided in the coming weeks.  Approximately 85 per cent of the pipeline will be constructed on existing power line easements with the remainder on road reserves and private land.