The State Government has awarded contracts as part of the $543 million upgrade of the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme that will replace 44.5km of ageing sections of pipeline.

WA-based Georgiou Group and SRG Global McConnell Dowell joint venture have secured contracts for the pipeline replacement works, which form part of stage one of the program and will use pipe sections made in WA.

Delivered by Water Corporation, stage one includes pipeline renewal, valve upgrades and duplication of the Binduli Reservoir.

The upgrades will unlock up to 7.2 million litres of additional daily capacity across the scheme — a 10 per cent increase — helping meet growing demand from industry and communities while improving reliability.

More than $170m will be spent with WA contractors and subcontractors, including at least $7m with Aboriginal businesses.

Wheatbelt and Goldfields communities will also benefit from $12.4m in local expenditure.

Pipe sections are being manufactured by Steel Mains in Kwinana using Pilbara iron ore and lined with Cockburn Cement concrete, with the project supporting more than 230 jobs.

Construction of the duplicated Binduli Reservoir in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is expected to begin later this year, providing a further boost to local employment and economic activity.

Stretching from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme supplies more than 100,000 homes, farms, mines, and businesses across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt.

Water Minister Don Punch said the $543m investment would help secure WA’s water future.

“This investment will increase the scheme’s capacity and reliability to support future growth across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt, while delivering jobs and opportunities for local businesses,” he said.

“More than $170m from these contracts will be spent with WA contractors and subcontractors, including at least $7m with Aboriginal businesses, ensuring the benefits of this major infrastructure investment stay in Western Australia and contribute to a stronger, more diversified economy.”

Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said the Goldfields Pipeline was vital to the region, supporting local communities, industryand economic development.

“These upgrades will help ensure the scheme can continue meeting the needs of a growing region, while creating opportunities for local businesses and workers along the way,” she said.