Eyre Peninsula Desalination Transfer Pipeline
- $23 million
- SA Water
- Port Lincoln, SA
- Pipelines, Roads
- Design and construct
Overview
The Eyre Peninsula desalination transfer pipeline, located at Billy Lights Point near Port Lincoln, provides a sustainable water supply to the region by addressing the challenges of limited local groundwater resources.
With water supplies from the Uley South Basin under significant stress, the desalination plant delivers up to 4 gigalitres of potable water annually, with the capacity to double this output if needed. These works support regional growth while protecting local ecosystems from the risk of saltwater intrusion.
The pipeline connects the desalination plant to the existing water distribution network, ensuring reliable access to clean water across the Eyre Peninsula.
Scope
Leed was engaged to deliver the supply and installation of the transfer pipeline and associated infrastructure.
The works included:
- supply and installation of 7.2km DN650 MSCL pipeline
- two major service crossings (one rail and one waterway)
- 3.4km of new access roads and upgrades
- associated fittings
- fence installation
- cathodic protection
Innovation
The project required a number of tailored approaches to manage site and stakeholder constraints.
Rock excavation works, including breaking through granite utilizing bristar (expanding grout) rather than traditional blasting, due to close proximity to noise and vibration sensitive stakeholders, were undertaken to enable the pipeline installation.
Solutions were found to control the impact of excavation works near residential properties. Leed worked in collaboration with SA Water, affected residents and the local council to review and assess rock breaking techniques. A methodology was developed to minimise noise and vibration impacts through close monitoring during the works.
Construction also involved the removal and reinstatement of a section of the train line that has carried grain deliveries between Cummins and Port Lincoln, requiring careful planning and coordination.
Outcomes
The project provides a sustainable water supply for the Eyre Peninsula by addressing the challenges of limited local groundwater resources. It supports regional growth while protecting local ecosystems from the risk of saltwater intrusion.
Leed was committed to providing opportunities for local Eyre Peninsula contractors on this project. Local plant owners and operators as well as First Nations employees from Prime Traffic Solutions and Birubi Australia were involved in these major works.
Leed also supported the local community through sponsorship of the Mallee Park Football and Netball Club, helping three football and netball teams travel from Port Lincoln to Port Augusta to proudly represent their city in the annual South Australian Aboriginal Football and Netball carnival.
