Resilient Water Infrastructure
Renewing the Kangaroo Valley Pipeline was crucial for securing reliable water supply and streamlining future maintenance, reinforcing the infrastructure’s long-term resilience.
Project Overview
Diona, in collaboration with and commissioned by WaterNSW, successfully completed the renewal of a critical 2.5km section of the Kangaroo Valley Pipeline. This section, part of a 3.1m diameter steel pipeline, underwent extensive upgrades, including the replacement of main and lateral bearings, repairs to concrete supports, access road enhancements, and drainage improvements. These efforts were aimed at improving operational efficiency, ensuring safety compliance, and extending the service life of this vital infrastructure.
Project Need
The renewal was essential to maintaining the reliability and efficiency of the water supply system. The pipeline, originally constructed in the 1970s, was ageing and this work ensured the reliability of the important water infrastructure assets is maintained.
Project Solution
Replacement of Structural Bearings
A total of 47 structural bearings, vital for accommodating the pipeline’s lateral and longitudinal movements, were replaced as they approached the end of their serviceable life. This complex task involved the use of hydraulic lifts and braces to support the pipeline during bearing installation. A systematic methodology for bearing replacement was developed, optimising project execution despite the challenges posed by uneven terrain and slopes of up to 30 degrees. Additionally, concrete support structures were renewed and repaired to maintain overall structural integrity.
Upgrading Access Tracks
The 2.5km access track parallel to the pipeline was upgraded through regrading, concrete work, and surface improvements. These enhancements facilitated better access for maintenance and emergency services.
Drainage System Improvements
The pipeline’s drainage system, crucial for protecting the structure and surrounding assets during wet weather, was upgraded. This involved repairing and replacing drainage systems, clearing debris, and implementing scour protection measures.
Site preparation, involving environmental controls, site clearing, and the management of water flow through innovative temporary cofferdam structures, ensured minimal disruption to the local community, safe access, and reduced environmental impact.
Value Add | Benefit
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Diona recognised the public visibility of the project site due to its proximity to public viewing areas and bushwalking tracks. In response, measures were implemented to mitigate interface risks, including full-time traffic control, clear site signage, and regular community notifications and project updates on the website.
Aboriginal Engagement and Cultural Awareness
Acknowledging the cultural significance of the work area, Diona developed an Aboriginal Engagement Management Plan (AEMP) to promote long-term positive outcomes. The plan focused on enhancing skills in cultural heritage and construction, optimising local recruitment, and boosting local procurement. In collaboration with the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Diona provided cultural awareness training for all project personnel through hands-on sessions that explored Aboriginal culture, history, and artifact identification.
Delivery Excellence & Operational Efficiency
The replacement of bearings and repair of supports markedly improved the pipeline’s operational efficiency and reliability. By implementing advanced methodologies, Diona not only completed the project under budget but also saved valuable time compared to the original specifications. Additionally, WaterNSW benefited from the provision of jacking frames and storage facilities, as well as an advanced self-performance methodology for future bearing maintenance, ensuring more efficient pipeline upkeep in the years to come.
Environmental and Safety Compliance
The project adhered to stringent safety standards and employed sustainable practices and technologies to minimise environmental impact.
ESG Alignment
The project minimised environmental disruption by employing sustainable construction practices, enhancing drainage systems, and protecting local ecosystems through careful site management.
Community engagement and respect for Aboriginal heritage were key, with efforts to reduce disruption, promote local employment, and provide cultural awareness training.
The project exemplified strong governance through efficient management, adherence to safety standards, and the implementation of frameworks for future maintenance and operational efficiency.
The renewal of the Kangaroo Valley Pipeline is an essential investment in resilient infrastructure, a core component of SDG 9. The project addressed ageing infrastructure by replacing structural bearings, repairing concrete supports, and upgrading drainage and access tracks. These measures ensure the long-term integrity and resilience of the water pipeline, supporting sustainable development by enhancing critical infrastructure’s longevity and efficiency.
Methodology improvements and innovative approaches such as hydraulic lifts, jacking frames, and advanced self-performance techniques underscore the project’s commitment to innovation in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure.
Upgrading the pipeline and drainage systems ensures the infrastructure can withstand extreme weather conditions, contributing to safer and more sustainable urban and rural environments. The project mitigates risks to water supply systems that are critical for community well-being, particularly during environmental challenges like flooding or drought.
The environmental controls, site clearing, and water flow management employed during the project align with SDG 15’s goal of protecting ecosystems. By minimising environmental impact, particularly in the sensitive bushland surrounding the project, Diona demonstrated responsible environmental stewardship.
