The construction of a new, bigger water pipeline to carry water to coastal areas has begun – so we can expect to see some heavy vehicles and digging happening in the areas of Dorroughby and Clunes. 

Rous County Council has begun Stage 1 construction on the new St Helena pipeline in response to increased demand for bulk water in coastal regions. 

Rous County Council’s Chair, Councillor Keith Williams says construction on the $36M St Helena pipeline project began in March and will ensure continued security of water supply for customers. 

“The project is necessary to meet the growing need for bulk water from our coastal regions,” Cr Williams said.

“As part of the project, the existing 300mm pipeline, which has reached the end of its service life, will be replaced with a new 660mm diameter watermain.”

The 13,200 metre pipeline will be delivered in two Stages with Stage 1 running from Dorroughby to the Clunes Cross Connection and Stage 2 continuing from the Clunes Cross Connection to Friday Hut Road. 

Phillip Rudd, General Manager for Rous County Council notes that the NSW State Government guidance has been employed to manage health and safety. 

“This includes management of the risks associated with Covid-19,” Mr Rudd said.

 Rous County Council is pro- active in its response to the pandemic and ensures that all construction continues in accordance with NSW State Government advice and health orders.

The construction contract was awarded to Ledonne Constructions Pty Ltd in February this year and they have now commenced works on site as part of Stage 1 of the project. Stage 1 is projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021. 

The Expression of Interest (EOI) for Stage 2 of the works has closed and shortlisted companies will be notified in early May. 

Successful companies from the EOI process will tender for the Stage 2 construction and be assessed for quality, methodology and cost efficiency. 

The construction contract for Stage 2 is expected to be awarded in in the last quarter of 2020 with projected completion date for Stage 2 being October 2022. 

Environmental management requirements have been thoroughly assessed and control measures have been implemented to ensure the environment is protected throughout the pipeline’s construction. 

Rous County Council ensures that community impacts will be minimised as much as practical during the St Helena pipeline project.

Rous County Council is working closely with landholders affected by the construction. Please be advised that residents can expect increased heavy vehicle traffic in the vicinity of the works for the duration of the project. 

Rous County Council (RCC) is a multipurpose county council delivering bulk water, weed biosecurity and flood mitigation services to the Northern Rivers of NSW. RCC’s constituent councils are Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley: