Longreach Watermains Upgrade

The Longreach Water Mains Upgrade was delivered for Longreach Regional Council and involved the replacement, extension, and upgrade of critical water reticulation infrastructure throughout Longreach, Queensland.

The project was undertaken in four construction tranches and formed part of Council’s ongoing program to improve the reliability, capacity, and operational performance of the town’s water distribution network. The works included the installation of new PVC water mains, property service reconnections, hydrants, isolation valves, fittings, and trenchless underbore crossings, together with all associated testing, commissioning, and reinstatement works.

The upgrade enhanced network resilience, reduced maintenance requirements associated with ageing infrastructure, and improved Council’s ability to isolate and manage sections of the network during future maintenance and emergency events.

Scope of Works

• Obtained all required construction approvals, permits, service authority notifications, and stakeholder approvals.
• Completed survey set-out, service locating, potholing investigations, and quality management processes across all project areas.
• Implemented environmental controls, erosion and sediment management measures, and dust suppression throughout construction.
• Supply and installation of approximately 6km of new PVC water mains, including:
  • Approximately 2.3km of DN100 PVC(M) Series 2 RRJ Class 12 pipe.
  • Approximately 3km of DN150 PVC(M) Series 2 RRJ Class 12 pipe.
  • Approximately 700m of DN225 PVC(M) Series 2 RRJ Class 12 pipe.
• Supply and installation of water main fittings, including bends, tees, reducers, tapers, connectors, and associated thrust restraint systems.
• Installation of approximately 90 hydrant assemblies throughout the upgraded network.
• Installation of approximately 47 isolation (sluice) valves to improve network operational flexibility.
• Construction of trenchless underbore crossings beneath existing road corridors and services.
• Connection of new water mains to the existing reticulation network, including live network tie-ins and staged commissioning activities.
• Reconnection of approximately 171 residential and property service connections, including 25mm and 32mm HDPE service lines.
• Supply and installation of property service fittings, meters, valves, and associated connection infrastructure.
• Completion of pipeline flushing, pressure testing, disinfection, flow testing, and commissioning activities.
• Preparation and submission of as-constructed drawings and asset information.
• Completion of all associated civil works, trench excavation, pipe bedding, backfilling, reinstatement, and project close-out activities.

Project Challenges

• Maintaining Water Supply During Network Tie-Ins
  The project required numerous connections between the new infrastructure and the live water network. Careful planning, temporary shutdown management, and stakeholder communication were required to minimise disruptions to residents and businesses.
• Construction Across Multiple Locations
  Works were delivered across numerous streets and construction zones throughout Longreach. Detailed programming and resource coordination were required to efficiently manage crews, materials, and equipment while maintaining project productivity.
• Existing Underground Service Conflicts
  Extensive service locating and potholing investigations were undertaken to identify and manage conflicts with existing underground utilities. Construction activities required careful excavation practices to avoid damage to live services.
• Regional Logistics and Material Supply
  The remote location of Longreach required proactive procurement and logistics management to ensure the timely delivery of pipes, fittings, valves, and specialist materials while maintaining construction progress.
• Trenchless Underbore Installations
  The installation of water mains beneath existing road corridors through underbore methods required specialist equipment, detailed planning, and accurate alignment control to avoid impacts on surrounding infrastructure.