Bungendore water supply pipeline

• Project value$2.08M (investigations) $78M approximately for construction

Work Completed

A preferred route for the proposed pipeline was primarily determined in a feasibility study in 2023. Since then, design and technical specifications have been developed to bring the project closer to 'tender-ready' stage.

There are expected to be three packages of work, the 31 kilometres of pipeline, the design and construction of a 6ML concrete reservoir, and the provision of a water pump station and re-chlorination facility.

We have also completed a detailed field land survey, geotechnical investigation, biodiversity studies, and European and Aboriginal Heritage studies. We have prepared a comprehensive Review of Environmental Factors, which is currently being assessed. 

What's next

• Continuing negotiations for the necessary intergovernmental approvals to extract water from the Queanbeyan Water Supply Agreement. This is the agreement between Australian, NSW and ACT Governments
• We are continuing to seek opportunities for grant funding for the construction phase. We have applied for funding under the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund. There are two stages of approval, the first being through the NSW Government. We expect to hear the outcome of this first stage in April 2025. 
• Beginning negotiations with land owners around the required easements and acquisition

Background

Council is investigating a pipeline between east Queanbeyan and Bungendore as the long-term solution to the future water supply for Bungendore. Without a sustainable water supply solution Council will need to press pause on any more development.

A feasibility study was presented to the Council meeting held on 12 April 2023 which considered the viability, approvals pathway and the economics of the proposal. Council resolved to proceed with the next stage of investigation.

The proposed route would see a new water pumping station at the site of a former reservoir in east Queanbeyan and a set of 375mm and 300mm diameter water mains would then run through a series of Council-owned land, road reserves, community title land, private property, Crown land, watercourses, State Road, rail corridor, and Commonwealth land.

The estimated capital cost is in the range of $78m. If it was to be constructed, it is expected that it would be paid for by external grants and developer contributions received for water supply. With a large upfront investment required, we expect that a loan would be required, that would be paid off by developer contributions.

The project is also reliant on securing the required intergovernmental approvals to extract water from its Queanbeyan Water Supply Agreement. This is an agreement between the Australian, NSW and ACT Governments that allows us to access bulk potable water from the ACT..

The map below shows the proposed route between Queanbeyan and Bungendore.