Iplex working double time for Haughton Pipeline

Iplex has commenced the construction of Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline Duplication — one of Queensland’s most significant water projects.

The Haughton Pipeline project is currently Townsville City Council’s number one infrastructure project. It will provide water security to Townsville and its surroundings for the next 50 years. Iplex has partnered with Townsville City Council and the Queensland State Government across the Haughton Pipeline project.

As part of Stage 2, the first batch of 1.8-metre diameter Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) pipes has arrived. Iplex Australia will deliver more than 24 kilometres of GRP pipes to complete Stage 2 of the project. The company will continue its long-term partnership with RPC Pipe Systems (RPC PS) for the Haughton Pipeline Project Stage 2.

This is the second major contract to be awarded to Iplex Australia, a subsidiary of Fletcher Building. It is part of the Haughton Project, having also been awarded the contract for Stage 1 of the Pipeline in 2018.

Iplex General Manager, Paul Lavelle, was at the port to oversee the arrival of the first shipment. He was joined by Ann-Maree Greaney (Townsville City Councillor), Les Walker (State Member for Mundingburra) and Aaron Harper (State Member for Thurwingowa).

More pipes to come

Three more shipments will deliver the remaining pipe lengths. They will be installed across 28.5km of land. It will connect Stage One of the Haughton Pipeline from the Ross River Dam to a new pump station next to the Burdekin River near Clare. When complete, the HPP will provide greater capacity to provide raw water into the Ross River Dam to augment or “top up” water levels during periods of low rainfall.

Lavelle said Iplex was pleased to continue its role as the chosen water infrastructure partner for the Queensland State Government.

“The population of Townsville is forecast to grow to 282,000 by 2041. A long-term focus on water security for the region is a must,” Lavelle said. “We are proud to be playing a pivotal role in the development of North Queensland. The upskilling of the Townsville workforce is an essential component of that.”

Constructing the pipeline will deliver on the recommendations made by the Townsville Water Security Taskforce’s final report. It will enable the dam water levels to be managed and provide water security during drought. Once complete, more than 60km of 1.8m diameter pipeline will help to supply raw water from the Burdekin River to the Dam during prolonged drought. It will also deliver 273ML and, ultimately, 364ML of water to the dam daily to ensure residents have access to water.

The history of Stage One of the Haughton Pipeline Duplication

Earlier this year, Iplex touched on the benefits of being chosen as the GRP supplier for Stage 1 of the $215 million project. This project included duplicating an existing 36.5 km pipeline to provide a bulk water backup supply for the Burdekin Water Supply Scheme.

Iplex supplied DN1800 GRP pipes, with long radius bends, Air and Scours Valve Tees and specially engineered fittings to deliver 234 megalitres of water per day into the Ross Dam.

The duplication enabled water to be pumped more efficiently than the existing DN1200 DICL pipe, securing a sustainable, long-term water supply for Townsville City Council.

GRP pipes ideal for Haughton Stage 2

Product Manager for Engineered Products at Iplex, Michael Lancuba, said the benefits of GRP are widely recognised.

“GRP is a robust and durable material offering designers a superior alternative. GRP allows for lightweight pipes to be produced with high strength enabling high-pressure classes for pressure applications and various stiffness classes for non-pressure applications. Compared to metal pipes, GRP is lighter, so you can get away with lighter lifting equipment saving time and money during installation,” said Lancuba.

“But perhaps the most appealing benefit is GRP’s resistance to chemical attack. It can be installed in naturally occurring ground conditions such as acid sulphate soils or saline ground conditions. Those conditions would otherwise be detrimental to unprotected metal and concrete. This gives asset owners peace of mind over these significant investments.”

A customised solution for a custom project

Customised options demonstrate the material’s versatility as a pipeline solution for installations under challenging environments and meeting tight construction programs.

The project cost is estimated at $274 million, with $195 million of this contributed by the Queensland Government. It has been funded by Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government.

André Nunn, Technical Sales Engineer for Iplex Australia, said winning Stage 2 of the project will support 30 direct and indirect jobs in Townsville required to assist with the project.

“As a local business, we want to see Australian manufacturers continue to build Queensland while helping grow communities,” Nunn said. “This also continues to reinforce our capabilities. With over 34 years of GRP experience, Iplex is proud to have supplied thousands of projects. Those projects span thousands of kilometres for both open trench and jacking applications across Australia.”

For more information, visit www.iplex.com.au