Mandamah pipeline completed ahead of schedule

Published on 09 February 2022

In November 2017, Goldenfields Water commenced work on the Mandamah Rural Supply Scheme, aiming to expand the region’s water supply network by 180 kilometres.

The project was completed in December 2021, over 18 months ahead of schedule and realising substantial cost efficiencies.

Stage 1 officially commenced November 2017, consisting of 66,000 metres of trunk main, 23 rural connections, construction of two reservoirs and upgrades to the Reefton pump station. Stage 2 consisted of 58,000 metres, stage 3 consisted of 46,000 metres and stage 4 consisted of 13,000 metres. The remaining 3 stages delivered a further 50 rural connections.

Goldenfields Water Operations Manager, Mr Tony Goodyer, said of the project’s early completion “The project was delivered in house by, what was at the time, a newly assembled construction team of four. This group, led by Construction Team Leader Luke Townsend, was able to deliver the five-year project in just four years.”

“By Council undertaking the full burden of the pipeline via internal staff, the approximate financial benefit each year to the local economy was $490,000.”

The project contributed an additional $990,000 to the local economy throughout the construction period by purchasing 90% of the plant locally, with a majority of the plant servicing being undertaken by local companies.

As a result of the successful delivery, the Mandamah Rural Water Supply Scheme has now expanded Goldenfields Water County Council supply network by approximately180 kilometres, providing essential water services to farmers and residents across more than 90,000 hectares in the Mandamah region west of Barmedman.

With the Mandamah Rural Water Supply Scheme now complete, Goldenfields Water has commenced construction on the Thanowring Road Tunk Main Renewal. This project will see 40kms of aged infrastructure replaced from Thanowring Road Pump Station located on Goldfields Way through to Quades Lane, west of Ariah Park.