The pipe’s reverse flow capacity will enable water from existing and future water sources to be moved to where it is most needed for residential and commercial development in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Beaudesert and the Gold Coast.

The 100 km of pipeline, associated storage tanks and pump stations will be built over the next two years.

Construction began one week ahead of schedule when the Alliance started laying pipe in Ipswich and the clear and grade of the adjoining Bundamba Pump station.

Managed by Ian Clark, the MacDow contingent of the Alliance mobilised the same area on 9 October 2006. Along with other Alliance member partners from Abigroup and KBR, 70 people are set up in the sunny Ipswich site office about 30 km west of Brisbane.

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Since its inception, the project has developed keen interest from the Queensland State Government.

With Queensland experiencing the worst drought in 100 years and in parallel experiencing a sustained period of growth and prosperity with a population boom, water or the lack thereof, has become a very hot topic.

Labelled the ‘water highway’ the SRWP raises water-resourcing from a local to a regional level. The SRWP Company has led the way in a shift from a fragmented and inefficient method of water delivery to a regional approach with the benefit of flexibility and efficiency.

Eight major highway or railway crossings, six major river crossings and construction of five pump stations and three balance tanks complete this project where teams will operate on multiple work fronts to ensure tight timeframes are met.

For most of its route the pipe will be laid underground and strict environmental guidelines are being adhered to.

More information is available at www.srwpalliance.com.au