Setlow Constructions has successfully installed more than 45 km of large-bore pipeline including 1,086 mm diameter MSCL pipe, 900 mm diameter HDPE pipe, as well as assisting with construction of two pump stations, various concrete structures and associated works on the Eastern Pipeline as part of the WCRW Project. On the Luggage Point to Brisbane River section alone, the company installed 14 km of pipeline through land adjacent to the Brisbane River at an invert level mostly below sea level.

“During this particular section of the project we have negotiated all kinds of exciting challenges including difficult ground conditions, sensitive environmental areas, plus multiple road, rail, waterway and underground service crossings, whilst at all times minimising the impact on the local community,” Rikki Nash said.

Setlow Constructions began the pipeline section from the Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant (AWTP) boundary to the Brisbane River in early July and completed the section at the end of September this year.

Up to 80 Setlow employees were involved in the works on this section, while the company also engaged several specialist subcontracting companies including land surveyors, traffic controllers, pipe welders, environmental, sheet piling and dewatering specialists.

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When asked about how working on the WCRW has been different to other projects, Mr Nash said “Time frames have been tighter. There have been more stakeholders, greater community involvement and bigger community expectation. Water is a scarce and a precious resource and this project has a special ‘air’ of satisfaction.”

In addition, he says that Setlow had to negotiate a number of challenges when working on the project.

“Extensive environmental management in conjunction with the community and client was necessary due to the project’s location and other attributes, which found our organisation managing acid sulphate, contaminated soil and water way issues.

“Trenching through wetlands and other sensitive areas with extremely unstable and saturated ground condition also had to be overcome. High risk crossings under existing services including rail tracks, the main aviation jet fuel line from the Shell Refinery to the Brisbane Airport and deep water crossing were also high on the list of planned and programmed works.”

Mr Nash says that several different safety techniques had to be considered due to the nature of the project.

“Safety always plays a big part in the culture of our organisation and this reflects in our exemplary safety record. Our safety systems and risk assessment accommodate all situations we may find our teams working in. Specifically, this project has had challenging ground conditions including deep marine environments requiring shoring and pumping systems.

“Extensive research and development into minimising the impact of poor ground conditions and high water tables was undertaken, to achieve the maximum output in order to meet the timeframe and quality control requirements of the client, which was successfully achieved. Setlow would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our personnel involved in the project, as per normal a fantastic team effort by all.”

Following the completion of the WCRW project, Mr Nash said that Setlow Constructions has secured further pipeline and associated works for councils and water authorities, as well as bulk earthworks contracts throughout southeast Queensland and Victoria.

“The civil components of large infrastructure works in both the government and private sectors throughout Australia are currently on the books with even bigger prospects developing.”