WA builders win govt work

Contractor Georgiou Group will build a $25 million pipeline for the long-term supply of water into Denmark, while ADCO Constructions has secured an $8.8 million contract for early redevelopment works at the Geraldton Health Campus.  

The pipeline, which will connect Denmark to the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme in Albany, is expected to cost $25 million, down from the $39 million estimate announced last September.

Georgiou has been appointed as lead contractor for the project, with $4.8 million of its total cost to go towards hiring local subcontractors.

The project is expected to create 50 local jobs in the Great Southern region, with Aboriginal business Impact Services to assist in developing employment opportunities for indigenous Australians.

Water Minister Dave Kelly said the pipeline would ensure a long-term water solution for Denmark.

“This pipeline will mean Denmark’s water supply will no longer be solely reliant on rainfall into local dams, which, unlike many areas in the Great Southern, have been significantly impacted by climate change,” he said.

Construction is expected to begin next month and finish early next year.

Meanwhile, ADCO Constructions will begin early works on a $73.3 million redevelopment of Geraldton Health Campus.

The redevelopment will include an ambulance entry on Shenton Street, redesign of the main entry to the hospital, and two new car parks.

ADCO will complete the ground works for the project in the first quarter of 2021, which the state government anticipates will create about 70 local jobs, along with further jobs through subcontracts.

Geraldton Health Campus will remain operational during the works.

Its total redevelopment is expected to be completed by 2023.

Further, the state government has invested $5.6 million in a Geraldton mental health project, which involves a 10-bed community step up-step down service, expected to be ready early next year.

The Department of Health has contracted Geraldton-based Crothers Construction, which will employ 70 workers to complete the project.

The state government has planned similar services for Kalgoorlie and Karratha.