Queensland, Australia — Queensland’s state-owned water utility, Seqwater, has awarded a contract worth approximately $165 million to a joint venture between CPB Contractors and NACAP to build the first stage of the long-planned Toowoomba–Warwick Pipeline, a major project designed to strengthen long-term water security across the region.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, pending final environmental approvals. The first stage will deliver the northern section of the 69-mile pipeline, extending from Toowoomba to Greenmount, with the remaining section to Warwick to be built under a future government decision based on regional water demand.
The project is expected to create about 400 construction jobs during the build.
Seqwater CEO Emma Thomas said the project will improve drought resilience while supporting future growth across the Southern Downs.
“Seqwater is delivering the project on behalf of the Queensland Government to strengthen water security for Toowoomba and protect the corridor for infrastructure that will provide long-term benefits for the region,” Thomas said.
Major infrastructure planned
The full project includes two reservoirs, two pump stations and two future offtake sites. The pipeline will primarily follow existing state and local road corridors and will use ductile iron, mild steel and polyethylene pipe ranging in size from DN125 to DN600.
Engineers have identified 64 waterway crossings and seven rail crossings along the route.
Most of the pipeline will be installed using conventional open-trench construction. However, trenchless methods such as horizontal directional drilling and pipe jacking will be used at major road, railway and waterway crossings to reduce disruption and protect existing infrastructure.
Project responds to drought concerns
Planning for the pipeline began after severe drought conditions in 2020 left Leslie Dam, Warwick’s primary water supply, at critically low levels.
Geotechnical investigations found the northern section of the route crosses expansive clay soils before transitioning into sandstone formations farther south. Engineers will also manage challenges including shallow basalt, steep terrain, significant waterway crossings and several localized landslide hazard areas.
Environmental review continues
Although the construction contract has been awarded, work cannot begin until the project receives approval under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
During the environmental review, community groups raised concerns about potential impacts on koala habitat, threatened wildlife species and roadside vegetation.
Seqwater said it revised sections of the pipeline alignment and incorporated trenchless construction techniques at sensitive crossings to reduce environmental impacts wherever possible.
Two-stage delivery approach
Earlier this year, the Queensland Government revised the delivery strategy after updated water security assessments showed immediate drought risks had eased.
Queensland Water Minister Ann Leahy said delivering the project in stages allows the government to balance long-term infrastructure investment with current regional needs.
“By progressing the pipeline in stages, we are balancing investment with long-term water security while ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with population growth and future demand,” Leahy said.
The first stage will extend the pipeline approximately 16 miles south of Toowoomba to Greenmount. Construction is expected to take around 30 months, depending on weather conditions, regulatory approvals and work sequencing.
