SA Water has announced three partners to share in a chunk of the utility’s infrastructure spending. BMD, Diona and Leed Engineering and Construction will share up to $700 million in work over the next four years, including the laying of trunk water and sewer pipes to enable new house construction.
The capital program includes a $1.5 billion investment, announced as a key initiative of the South Australian Premier’s Housing Roadmap. This investment will increase the capacity of the water and sewer network through upgrades to pipes, pump stations and tanks, unlocking a potential 40,000 new allotments across the state.
South Australian Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion, said, “The South Australian Government is investing in the state’s future by providing essential housing infrastructure and long-term job security for our skilled workforce.
“These companies will be pivotal in delivering the record capital program to build network capacity and enable future expansion.
“This investment will create hundreds of local jobs and future opportunities for South Australian subcontractors.”
Infrastructure projects will primarily target Adelaide’s northern growth front, including areas such as Angle Vale, Riverlea and Roseworthy, to maximise the number of new houses made possible by this investment.
The three companies will increase SA Water’s capacity to deliver this infrastructure. Duplicating and upsizing existing trunk mains require a significant pipeline volume, and the utility’s supply chain already includes three major framework partners.
Leed Engineering and Construction is poised to start pre-construction work to inform the alignment of new underground trunk water mains. These mains, which will be installed in early 2025, will unlock capacity for new houses in Angle Vale.
The breadth and scale of this program also mean there are significant opportunities for more companies in the construction industry to collaborate with SA Water.
More than 250 industry members, including peak bodies such as the Civil Contractors Federation and Master Builders Association, were briefed on four tender opportunities to support the delivery of critical infrastructure across the state.
Civil Contractors Federation SA CEO, Rebecca Pickering, said, “Civil contractors in this state are ready to deliver the critical infrastructure needed to increase the supply of new homes.
“The record capital works program will secure long-term jobs and help train more apprentices – upskilling future workers.
“Holding procurement forums is an important aspect of these programs, as it details the future opportunities for our local companies and their workforce.”
SA Water also shared its two-year capital project forward plan and subcontracting opportunities available through its existing construction partners as part of the forum. Across these approximately 120 projects, which include the delivery of new infrastructure to support housing growth and an upgrade of the Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline, there will be $799 million in opportunities for subcontracting work through SA Water’s partners.
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