Denmark pipeline to deliver local jobs

• 50 local jobs for the Great Southern region
• Albany-based Aboriginal business 'Impact Services' has been engaged to assist with developing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people
• $4.8 million will be invested in the Great Southern region through the hiring of local workers and use of local materials and services 

Water Minister Dave Kelly has announced the Water Corporation is on track to deliver the pipeline from Albany to Denmark in early 2021.

The project, which aims to secure Denmark's long-term water security, will connect Denmark to the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme in Albany. It is now expected to cost $25 million

Georgiou has been appointed as the head contractor to build the new pipeline, with subcontractor opportunities promoted through local industry channels and the project's webpage attracting more than 60 registrations from local companies.

During construction, more than $4.8 million of the $25 million project will be invested in the Great Southern region through the hiring of local sub-contractors and use of local materials and services. This will create 50 local jobs in the Great Southern region. 

Albany-based Aboriginal business Impact Services has also been engaged to assist with developing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people as part of this work.

Over the past few months, Water Corporation has been working closely with relevant government agencies and landowners between Albany and Denmark to determine the most suitable pipeline route with minimal environment impact. Through this work and design improvements, the expected cost of the project has been reduced by $7 million.

The proposed route will connect the pipeline at Chorkerup Tank, 30 kilometres north of Albany, then follow the road reserve west along Wilcox Road, Redmond Road West, Kernutts Road, and a small section of Denmark-Mount Barker Road, connecting to the existing tank supplying water to Denmark at Scotsdale, subject to final approvals.

In September 2019, the McGowan Government announced the necessary and urgent project to secure Denmark's long-term water supply, with the town's local dam levels continuing to lower due to the impacts of climate change resulting in declining rainfall and reduced streamflow.

Construction is expected to begin next month (July 2020) and finish in early 2021, subject to completion of final approvals.

Find out more at http://www.watercorporation.com.au/waterwisedenmark

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"The McGowan Government, is on track to deliver a long-term water supply solution for Denmark.

"This pipeline will mean Denmark's water supply will no longer be solely reliant on rainfall into local dams which, like many areas in the Great Southern Region, has been significantly impacted by climate change.

"I am pleased that the successful contractor, Georgiou, will sub-contract to a range of local businesses, supporting jobs in the Great Southern region.

"The Water Corporation continues to work closely with the Denmark community to save water through the Waterwise Towns Program and water use letter program. This summer, the Denmark community saved an additional nine million litres of water compared to last summer - an outstanding achievement."

Comments attributed to Albany MLA Peter Watson:

"The McGowan Government is committed to creating jobs for Western Australians and I'm pleased to see 50 local jobs created in the Great Southern region, including Albany as part of this new project."

Minister's office - 6552 6100