Enhancing existing water supply services for new development in west Melbourne

Holden Reservoir Inlet Pipeline

As part of a joint venture (JV) we were engaged by Melbourne Water (MW) to design and construct the new 4.15 km trunk water main to service customers in Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer west near the existing Hillside and Plumpton communities.

We reviewed the proposed pipeline alignment provided by MW and recommended an alternative that followed the centre median of the Melton Highway for much of the pipeline length. This was adopted and resulted in a significant impact reduction on the local community by moving the works further away from existing residences and businesses, saving a large number of mature trees, and avoiding construction directly adjacent to a number of existing underground services. It allowed for faster construction and provided an overall cost saving for MW. 

The JV worked with MW to manage consultation with affected stakeholders and the local community, and in particular the impacts of pipeline construction works through major intersections, lane closures on the highway, and local road closures and detours.

The completed water main will supply the future Holden Reservoir and provide resilience to the entire region’s water supply.