Source : BUSINESS NEWS
The pipeline for the planned $2.8 billion desalination plant at Alkimos has reached a milestone in its construction from the Water Corporation’s Wanneroo reservoir to the coast.
The 1600th section of pipe, measuring 12-metres each in length, was laid at Nowergup, halfway to the future Alkimos plant.
“The pipeline is a perfect example of my government’s made in WA plan,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“Usually, we bring this sort of pipe across from Victoria to provide for these sorts of infrastructure projects, but these are built with products sourced from Kwinana and Cockburn, as well as materials mined in the Pilbara.”
Premier Cook addressed concerns of the Electrical Trades Union, which is currently involved in an industrial dispute with BHP in the Pilbara.
The union claims electrical workers on the Alkimos pipeline are earning more than some electricians on Pilbara mine sites, suggesting government infrastructure jobs were overheating wages.
“All projects are responding to the labour market and we continue to have a workforce shortage in Western Australia,” Mr Cook said.
“The demand for workers, particularly skilled workers like electricians, is very high.”
When complete the pipeline will run just over 30km and pump 50 billion litres along the route during the first stage of the desalination plant due for completion by 2028.
“It has the capacity to go to 100 billion litres, which is very significant for the future of our state,” said Water Minister Don Punch.
“This is a project that is on budget and on time.”
The trunk main will connect the plant – via Carabooda Tank, the future Nowergup Tank and Wanneroo Reservoir – to the Integrated Water Supply Scheme, which supplies more than 2.5 million people.
Mr Punch said the large 1.6 metre diameter of the pipes reduces the energy required to pump water.
The trunk main is being delivered by the Alkimos Pipeline Alliance, comprising Water Corporation, Georgiou Group and DM Civil.
