Overview
The Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline project will deliver water to the Galilee Basin to meet forecasted demand for water by commercial mining operations and provide a reliable water supply to the town of Alpha.
The 276 km pipeline stretching between the towns of Moranbah and Alpha will draw water from the Moranbah Picardy Storage and supply up to 25,000ML per annum to commercial and urban customers.
The common user pipeline will be underpinned by long-term supply contracts with some of Central Queensland’s largest mining operators. It is estimated that the water transported by the Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline project will facilitate approximately 80 mtpa of additional regional coal production for output.
Whilst the pipeline will provide the majority of water to commercial mining operations, water will also be made available to supplement Alpha’s town water supply located within the Barcaldine local government area.
Construction of the proposed pipeline is due to commence in early 2012 and be completed by late 2013, with first water supplied to customers from March 2014.
Project Background
In 2005, the Queensland Government released the Coal Infrastructure Program of Actions (CIPA) which estimated that up to $4.2 billion worth of coal related infrastructure is required to meet the growing needs of the industry. A major aspect of the CIPA was the delivery of water and its associated infrastructure.
The Connors River Dam and Pipelines project was outlined as a key development to service demand for water primarily in the Northern Bowen Basin. The program however did not address the unforseen growth in the Galilee Basin and as such the Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline project was proposed to meet future demand for water.
Investigations by SunWater predict that the Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline project will be capable of delivering the nominated bulk water supply for both established and planned coal mines in the Galilee Basin.
It is expected that the pipeline will not only meet the forecasted needs of mining operations in the Galilee, but will provide a significant increase in water supply to the communities and industry that serve them.
Benefits
The benefits of the Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline project will be evident both during construction and upon commissioning of the pipeline. Benefits include:
- Economic injection and career opportunities for Queensland and the local communities during construction
- Provide water, a critical enabler for coal production and export, to the resources industry
- The provision of an additional water supply for urban use by the Barcaldine Regional Council
Environment and cultural heritage
SunWater’s preliminary investigations on potential social and environmental impacts of the pipeline have found to be minimal.
SunWater is in the process of obtaining all environmental and planning approvals necessary to construct the pipeline and supply water to customers.
SunWater has also undertaken cultural heritage assessments of the area and consulted with the Traditional Owners. No areas of significance have been identified along the pipeline route.
Land access
SunWater has undertaken preliminary consultation with landholders along the pipeline route regarding land access protocols.
SunWater will wash down all machinery before entering and leaving the project site to ensure weeds are not transported onto properties.
Our role
SunWater will build, own, operate and maintain the Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline.
Enquiries
For further information regarding the Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline project, please contact:
Project Manager
Moranbah to Alpha Pipeline Project
Reply Paid 15536, City East QLD 4002
Phone 1800 442 001
Email moranbahalphapipeline@sunwater.com.au