In early 2007 Patterson Britton & Partners entered into an agreement with BLL, KBR, ERM and McConnell Dowell to submit a proposal to form an alliance with Sydney Water for the design and construction of water distribution infrastructure from the proposed desalination plant at Kurnell. This infrastructure is an intricate part of the solution to securing Sydney’s long term water supply. In early June PBP received the news that our consortium had been selected to deliver this important and exciting project.

The route of the freshwater pipeline begins at Kurnell desalination plant, crosses underneath Botany Bay, and runs up to Erskineville where it connects into the existing Sydney Water system at the City Tunnel. The pipe consists of a single 1.8m diameter pipe for the land based sections and twin 1.4m diameter pipes for the Botany Bay crossing.

Two methods will be used in constructing the pipeline. Micro tunnelling will be used in residential areas minimising disturbance to residents and shortening the construction front. Open trenching will be used in areas that will not affect the community for example through crown land, Kogarah Golf Course and Tempe Tip. This will greatly decrease construction time.

Sydney Water 2007