Asset Renewal and Replacement Program

NSW
WaterNSW
In progress

We are one of two Construction Partners collaborating with WaterNSW to deliver services under their Asset Renewal and Replacement Program (ARRP). The ARRP contract kicked off in 2021 and is a five-year agreement with an option for a three-year extension. The works under the program vary in size and complexity across a large geographical footprint in NSW. The scope typically includes civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical minor capital works and rehabilitation.

The services we provide under the ARRP include:

  • Concept design
  • Estimating
  • Detailed design
  • Early tender and contractor involvement
  • Annual Integrated Works Program
  • Construction
  • Maintenance and facilities management of all assets, including water and wastewater treatment plants, network pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs, and facilities such as data centres, offices, and depots.


Warragamba Pipeline Corridor Restoration

We are delivering civil construction and upgrade works along the Warragamba Pipeline corridor to improve the stability of batters and embankments, as well as drainage and access roads for the remediation of ongoing risks and extension of the design life, ensuring the protection of Sydney’s water supply lines from Warragamba Dam to Prospect Reservoir.

Warragamba Deep Water Pump Station (DWPS) Flood Remediation Project

The DWPS is critical for transferring the drinking water supply to Sydney, moving raw water from the deep levels of Warragamba Dam to Prospect Reservoir, where it is treated by the Prospect Water Filtration Plant. Following major flood events in 2021 and 2022, we were engaged to reinstate the DWPS to its original functionality and condition. The scope included the repair/replacement of all damaged equipment and the testing and commissioning of this equipment.

Balranald Weir WHS Upgrade

Our teams are replacing a steel access platform and delivering associated civil works to improve flood resilience, access, and safety.

Warragamba Pipeline Valves and Controls Upgrade Project

We have been engaged to complete the remaining scope of work left by a previous contractor. This project involves the two pipelines that run from Warragamba Dam to Prospect Reservoir, varying in size from 3m to 2.1m in diameter. The scope includes the replacement or refurbishment of 23 major valves, upgrading associated power supplies and control systems, replacing existing access structures, installing CCTV cameras at major cross-connections, and installing a reliable pipeline pressure monitoring and breakage detection system. The project has required four key outages/shutdowns, with critical planning and coordination to return the system to service. This work has been delivered in collaboration with stakeholders, including Sydney Water and WaterNSW, and aims to improve the existing level of service in terms of asset reliability, water quantity, safety, and security, ensuring that the water delivered meets the agreed quantity and quality requirements.

Greater Sydney Road Renewals Project

WaterNSW has a large number of assets throughout NSW that require access via safe and well-maintained roads. Due to their poor condition, the access roads for Cordeaux Dam and Avon Dam require upgrades, and we have been engaged to design and construct the remediation for these sites in accordance with the WaterNSW Drawings, Technical Notes on Drawings, Sydney Catchment Authority Road Management Manual rev 10.7.5, RMS Design and Construction Specifications, Australian Standards, and the Austroads Manual.

Electrical Renewals at Gogeldrie Weir, Marebone Weir, and Copeton Dam

We have been awarded Electrical Renewals projects at Gogeldrie Weir, Marebone Weir, and Copeton Dam. The works are essential to renew electrical assets, reduce the risk of operational failure, improve return-to-service times, and provide technicians with the ability to safely fault find and test circuits, while also addressing workplace health and safety hazards affecting the safe operation and maintenance of the asset.

Improved project delivery through a standardised approach 

A standardised approach to all projects as part of the ARRP has been developed and continues to evolve through our collaboration with WaterNSW and other key stakeholders. This approach addresses challenges posed by existing infrastructure and equipment installed over decades as well as operational needs. Projects start with an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, focused on constructability, innovation opportunities and value for money before progressing to design and construction. They are then allocated to one of two construction partners. Workshops and working groups consider each site’s conditions and stakeholder requirements. The three-step process—challenges, needs, methodology, and optimised delivery—has refined the approach, minimised plant disruptions, reduced program schedules, and lowered construction costs.

Long term benefits

The works under the ARRP are divided into two categories: Maintaining Capability and Regulatory Compliance. The Maintaining Capability works include Renewal and Replacement, Water Monitoring, and Catchment Protection programs, while the Regulatory Compliance works include Dam Safety, Weirs and Gates, and Fishway programs. These works aim to extend asset life, ensure compliance, improve WHS, and benefit water supply.

Mitigating program challenges through collaboration and open communication

With WaterNSW overseeing assets statewide, the ARRP’s geographical challenges have been effectively mitigated through a collaborative culture and open communication. Early contractor involvement has been key to ensuring project scope and outcomes are clearly defined and understood from the outset, significantly reducing construction risk. This approach not only streamlines project delivery but also ensures alignment among all stakeholders, promoting efficiency and successful outcomes.

Delivering innovation and value

As the program has evolved, a culture has developed where program partners are empowered to openly challenge and provide input for the best project outcomes. Early contractor involvement, including engagement with end users, stakeholders, operations, designers, and project teams, has helped improve project scoping from the outset. This approach considers constructability and overall project cost, ultimately aiming to offer price certainty and ensure aligned outcomes by fostering a clear understanding of scopes, objectives, and construction costs.