Western Australia Greenbushes to Kirup pipeline

Project highlights

• First-time use of PVC-O PN25 in Western Australia: Clover’s advocacy for the material set a new standard for future water projects in the region.
• Seamless installation despite logistical challenges: The remote nature of the site required careful planning, but the project was delivered on time and within budget.
• Technical collaboration with Water Corporation: From the design phase to project execution, Clover’s close partnership ensured the material met all project requirements.
• Enhanced pressure performance and durability: The PVC-O PN25 pipeline successfully operates under high-pressure conditions, proving its reliability and long-term viability for the region’s water needs.

Declining rainfall and increasing demand have strained existing water supply systems in rural areas of Western Australia, especially in areas that have solely relied on rainwater. This has made efficient and durable pipelines essential for moving potable water and has driven the initiation of water supply schemes to create equitable access to water for regional and rural areas.

In the lead up to the construction of the Greenbushes to Kirup pipeline, Water Minister Dave Kelly noted that, “Historically, many smaller southwest towns have sourced drinking water from local dams, however, the impact of climate change means rainfall is no longer a reliable water source for many communities.

“Despite declining rainfall, Western Australians can have confidence in long-term water supply security as we continue to investigate new water sources where previous sources are becoming unviable.”

The Warren Blackwood Regional Water Supply Scheme serves the towns of Manjimup, Bridgetown, Nannup, Greenbushes, Boyup Brook, Balingup, and Hester in the Southwest region of Western Australia. In early 2022, it expanded to include Mullalyup and Kirup following the completion of the Greenbushes to Kirup pipeline.

The 17-kilometre pipeline – made up of over 2,600 lengths of pipe – transports potable water from Greenbushes, passing through Balingup and extending north. Clover played an integral part in the planning, sourcing and supply of the pipeline that could meet the unique demands of the project.

A first for Western Australia infrastructure

The Greenbushes to Kirup pipeline marked a milestone in the history of Western Australia’s water infrastructure development, being the first instance of Oriented PVC (PVC-O) PN25 pipe used in the region. With the project requiring a solution that could withstand extreme water pressure, Clover was the only supplier that could meet this unique need and supply a pipeline solution durable enough to ensure long-term water security – helping the area move away from costly water carting processes.

PVC-O is known for its strength, ductility and impact resistance thanks to a process called Molecular Orientation, while the product is also 100% recyclable. Molecular Orientation stretches PVC molecules to align them in the same direction, dramatically improving the material’s strength and durability while maintaining its original benefits. This alignment can double PVC’s tensile strength, making PVC-O exceptionally resistant to traction, fatigue, impact, and offering greater flexibility.

In a remote and heavily forested area, the choice of PVC-O allowed for reduced trench dimensions during construction – enabling faster implementation and reduced environmental disturbance – while the inherent durability of the material promises less maintenance in the long-term.

The PVC-O PN25’s successful implementation sets a precedent for future projects, demonstrating its superior strength and flexibility under the challenging conditions inherent in WA’s often harsh and challenging rural environment.

Delivering in a challenging regional environment

The remote nature of the project location added a unique layer of complexity that Clover excels in solving for – necessitating careful logistical planning and coordination to successfully transport materials over significant distances.

Clover’s collaboration with Water Corporation was instrumental in overcoming these obstacles, with the WA team providing technical support and data to confirm OPVC PN25’s suitability for the area’s demanding conditions. Despite the geographical isolation, the project proceeded on schedule, showcasing Clover’s ability to plug in to complex infrastructure projects and ensure our role facilitates smooth construction.

Having delivered solutions like these for the past five years in Western Australia, Clover has seen significant year-on-year growth in the number and scale of projects. Relying on its national logistics network as well as both international and local manufacturers, the team has quickly built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and solutions on time and to budget, regardless of distance, terrain or project complexity.