Morgan Whyalla pipeline renewal

The Morgan Whyalla Pipeline No.1 is a 358 kilometre long, above ground pipeline that was constructed in the 1940s. The pipeline is used for the transfer of bulk water supplies to the Iron Triangle cities of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla and supply to the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula water distribution networks.

We are planning the replacement of sections of the pipeline to continue to deliver your trusted water service and maintain the reliability of your water network and ensure we meet the demand for safe, clean drinking water now and into the future.

What are we doing

Together with our contractor, McConnell Dowell Diona Joint Venture (MDJV), we are planning to replace up to 34 kilometres of the pipeline to continue to deliver your trusted water service, maintain the reliability of your water supply and ensure we meet the demand for safe, clean drinking water now and into the future.

The sections we are replacing will be constructed adjacent to the existing pipeline and will remain above ground. A map of the sections being replaced is shown below.

When it's happening

Major construction on the project is now planned to commence in early 2023, with the utility prioritising additional environmental monitoring to help protect a newly-listed threatened native flora and fauna community.

The main sections of pipeline planned for installation, travel through the Mallee Bird Community of the Murray Darling Depression Bioregion, which has been listed as a new Threatened Ecological Community by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).

Bird species such as the Malleefowl and Black-earned Minor – now considered Nationally Endangered – are included in the ecological community, which covers large sections of Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands.

Construction work associated with renewing the pipeline and presence in the area could have an impact on the bird community, so we’re taking the necessary time to complete a thorough environmental assessment to ensure we can minimise any impact.

We are working through an assessment process with a range of field investigations and spatial monitoring, which we expect to complete and submit to DAWE later this year.

As part of our work, we’re looking at sections of the pipeline in low-risk areas first, such as land cleared for farming, and these will become the focus for the current renewal program, to help keep the project moving.

The start date is dependent on the environmental assessment process, weather conditions and any technical constraints that we may encounter. We have initiated and will continue discussions with property owners along the pipeline and local businesses.

How can you get involved

We are interested in connecting with local businesses who may be able to provide opportunities for accommodation, catering, and other services during construction if you are able to support the project with any services please contact MDJV Procurement

We’re keen to plan construction in a way that has the least impact on you and would welcome an opportunity to speak with you to understand the practical things we can do to achieve this.

Sharing your preferred contact details will also help us provide you with quick and timely updates

Keeping you updated

To keep our crews and the community safe, some disruption to local traffic may be required but we will keep you informed in the lead up to this project. We will also let you know if any temporary water interruptions will be required to your property.