Major milestone in Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline upgrade

SA Water has reached a significant milestone in a $61.8 million upgrade to South Australia’s longest pipeline, with the infrastructure responsible for supplying safe, clean drinking water to more than 130,000 homes and businesses across the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula.

Crews are currently renewing 9.3 kilometres of the 358-kilometre Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline across 3 sections north-west of Morgan, with approximately 30 per cent of the new 813-millimetre-diameter mild steel cement-lined pipe already delivered and installed.

This progress follows extensive ground excavation and other preparation works which began in the second half of 2025. This work involved installing 729 concrete supports – called pipe chairs – and anchor block concrete structures, providing secure and durable above-ground support for the new pipework.

SA Water General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Peter Seltsikas said renewal of this important piece of infrastructure will significantly strengthen long-term water security for its customers who depend on it.

“Excavation and concrete works will continue until mid-2026, with pipe lengths to be progressively delivered to the remaining work zones for installation and welding,” Peter said.

“Impressively, the new pipeline being laid equates to 770 12.2-metre-long individual pipe lengths, connected using a socket and weld arrangement.

“Built in the 1940s, this pipeline has long been a vital part of South Australia’s water network. This essential two-year upgrade is the first stage of a long-term renewal program that will replace the pipeline section by section over the next few decades, ensuring a resilient and reliable drinking water supply for future generations.”

The project is firmly on track after a temporary pause in 2022, which was necessary to ensure work could proceed responsibly.

“In 2022, following consultation with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), we made a decision to pause the project to allow for additional environmental investigations of threatened and endangered flora and fauna – including the Mallee Bird Community, the Iron-grass Natural Temperate Grassland community and potential habitat for the Pygmy Blue-tongue lizard – present along the pipeline route,” Peter said.

“This area provides critical habitat for the Mallee Bird Community, which includes 20 bird species such as the nationally endangered Malleefowl, Black-eared Miner and South-Eastern Hooded Robin, as well as the nationally vulnerable Southern Whiteface.

“These species rely on large areas of intact Mallee vegetation, with habitat loss a major contributor to their threatened status.

“Following a multi-year program of environmental assessments, research and consultation, we received approval from DCCEEW in November 2024 to resume work under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This approval was also granted based on evidence that there would be no impacts to the Pygmy Blue-tongue lizard and the Iron-grass Natural Temperate Grassland community.

“This program of work included engaging specialist contractors to undertake pre-clearance habitat assessments, fauna relocation and design input to ensure full compliance with environmental requirements.”

To minimise ecological impacts, construction schedules are now aligned to avoid vegetation clearance during the July to November bird breeding season, with further restrictions on the use of machinery in sensitive breeding habitat areas.
Additional measures include reducing the construction corridor – a temporary work zone along the pipeline – avoiding hollow-bearing trees where possible and putting in steps to foster regeneration of vegetation.

Felled trees have been repurposed into new wildlife habitats, while seed-bearing material has been retained and spread on site. Temporary fencing will remain in place after construction to protect regrowth areas.

“These measures reflect our commitment to delivering essential infrastructure while upholding environmental responsibility,” Peter said.

“We are grateful for the close collaboration of our stakeholders – including DCCEEW, Department for Environment and Water, and Flinders University – whose expertise has been crucial in progressing this upgrade while minimising our environmental footprint.”

The project is expected to be completed in late 2027.