UNDER WA
Trenchless bounces back in WA As COVID-19 continues to cause disruptions to states and their economies, infrastructure developments becomes increasingly important to drive economic recovery. As such, Western Australia has seen progress on many public sector infrastructure projects over the last few months in the water and transport sectors.
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ipes for Perth Pipes for Perth is Water Corporation’s ongoing project to improve the security and reliability of Perth’s water supply. Under the program, works to replace historic pipelines supplying drinking water to East Fremantle, Palmyra and Bicton recently commenced, with completion anticipated for mid-2022. The pipeline has been supplying the regions for nearly a century, with the oldest section first laid in 1923. The Pipes for Perth program has replaced over 200 km of water mains across the metropolitan area since 2016. Water Corporation general manager of assets planning and delivery Evan Hambleton said that by proactively replacing these assets, the utility could safeguard against future leaks and bursts, in turn helping to avoid unplanned interruptions. New mains for Perth’s first reservoir The WA Waste Minister announced upgrades to replace water mains at the historic Kaarta Gar-up reservoir as part of a state-wide investment in renewing water infrastructure. The reservoir was constructed in 1891 as Perth’s first reservoir, supplying water to the CBD and western suburbs. The McGowan Government has dedicated $7.7 million to upgrading
Western Australia has seen progress on many public sector infrastructure projects.
20 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA DECEMBER 2021
and replacing water mains for Perth’s historic reservoir at Kaarta Gar-up (Mount Eliza) in Kings Park. Works involve replacing two ageing water pipe inlets, one of which is 94 years old, and the construction of a new regulating valve building, valve pit, and valve pit wall. The project is expected to be complete by early-2022. METRONET reaches final stages The METRONET project has entered its final stages. During November, works began to relocate a sewer pressure main at the New Bayswater Station, while bulk earth works have charged ahead at Lakelands Station for the Thornlie-Cockburn link. Work has also started on the tunnel where the new Morley-Ellenbrook line will divert from the existing Midland Line. With around 72 km of new passenger rail with 18 new stations, the METRONET will be the single largest investment in public transport Perth has ever seen once completed. WA Premier Mark McGowan said the METRONET is important not only for the thousands of jobs it offers during construction phase, but for the jobs it will secure into the future as local areas develop over time. Water infrastructure for West Bullsbrook The Morrison-Joyce government has delivered a plan for the provision of a long-term, sustainable water supply to the residents of West Bullsbrook, north of Perth. The state and federal governments have been working together to deliver a strategy to connect West Bullsbrook properties to town water. The installation scheme is still currently in its planning phase. WA Water Awards The Australian Water Association annual awards highlight the outstanding work by individuals and organisations in the water industry.
