Bowen Pipeline

Optimising the design and operation of a major new water pipeline for North Queensland.

The Bowen Pipeline is a 182km underground water pipeline planned to carry water from the Burdekin River, upstream of Home Hill, south to Bowen in North Queensland. It will deliver more than 100,000 megalitres a year, providing growers, industry and the Bowen township with a reliable, year-round water supply.

The Bowen and Gumlu region produces around one-fifth of Australia’s vegetables and is the country’s largest winter vegetable growing region. The pipeline will also support emerging green energy industries near Bowen. Powered by 30MW of Australian-made solar, the project aims to become Australia’s first net-zero pipeline. The Juru People, Traditional Owners of the Bowen region, hold equity in the project.

WSce was engaged by Bowen Pipeline Company to optimise the pipeline design, taking into account locally available pipe and pipeline construction equipment. This included reviewing the hydraulic and trench design for a range of single and dual pipeline configurations.

WSce also assessed key operational aspects of the project, including pipeline swabbing and desilting, control philosophy, operation under low-flow conditions and the challenges associated with the proposed river intake location.

The pipeline will include four booster pump stations and will be constructed largely alongside the Bruce Highway, traversing private land and road reserves. WSce continues to provide technical advice and engineering input to support design development and key project decisions.