Goldfields Pipeline Renewal

What's happening?

Since its commissioning in 1903, the 566-kilometre pipeline from Perth to Kalgoorlie has played a vital role in sustaining residential, agricultural, and industrial activities across the region. However, sustained economic growth means the scheme is now operating close to capacity during the peak summer months. 

Water Corporation commenced planning to increase the scheme's capacity in 2021, with staged upgrades identified as the most efficient and cost-effective approach to meet initial and longer-term demand. 

The project's first stage will scheme capacity by up to 7.2 million litres daily from 2027 to meet growth and industrial expansion, as well as enhancing the reliability of the scheme.

Works will include:

• Replacements of 44.5 kilometres of ageing pipeline, mostly the original pipe, in the Shires of Merredin, Westonia, and Yilgarn, with new sections installed primarily below ground alongside the existing route
• Valve upgrades to improve network reliability
• Upgrades to the Binduli Reservoir in Kalgoorlie, doubling the water storage capacity 

Stage 1 upgrade work is expected to commence in the summer of 2025-26. 

Where is this happening?

The pipeline travels through 10 local government areas from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. 

The interactive map below shows the age of various sections of the pipe and whether they are currently installed above or below ground.

Click on the map to navigate. For more information, use the map legend below or click the toggle button .

How will you preserve the heritage values of the pipeline?

Considered to be one of Australia’s greatest engineering achievements, the Goldfields Pipeline was included on the National Heritage List in 2011. It is protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

In January 2022 we received approval under the Act to gradually remove and replace above-ground sections of the Goldfields Pipeline. A condition of this approval is that we conduct a public history research project and prepare a Heritage Management Plan and Interpretation Strategy for the pipeline.

Completion of these activities will help preserve the Goldfields Pipeline’s heritage value for future generations. See the Library tab for more details.

Heritage Interpretation Strategy and Management Plan

Public history project: Stories in the pipeline 

The ‘Stories in the pipeline’ project has now concluded and once again we thank everyone for taking the time to share their memories and stories of the Goldfields pipeline through the years.

We engaged Howard and Heaver Architects to undertake this public history research project, to identify the community history and memories associated with the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. This was completed as part of meeting the conditions of the EPBC Act approval for replacing ageing sections of the pipeline, while preserving its historical significance.

The aim was to collect ‘water stories’ associated with the pipeline and the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, acknowledging the varied meanings that this feat of engineering holds for the community of WA and how these meanings might be retained and interpreted as we upgrade the pipeline in stages over the next 70 years.

We received many submissions and leads from the public, some of whom shared their memorabilia, family photos and newspaper clippings, which were delivered to Howard and Heaver locations in Albany, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie. Follow up interviews were also conducted either remotely or in-person by the consultant team to ensure that we captured as many personal stories as possible.

A variety of engagement methods were used to attract submissions, including a week-long “roadshow” conducted by community engagement personnel travelling eastward from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. This included visits to local community hubs situated along the pipeline to facilitate more informal meetings and interviews, amongst many other engagement activities.

The findings from this project have been presented in a research report, which is now available to view below.

This research report will directly inform the preparation of an updated heritage management plan and interpretation strategy for the pipeline, which will be published for public comment in 2024.

These documents will then be sent to the Australian Heritage Council for endorsement and then the Federal Environment Minister for approval at the end of 2024.

For more information about the overall project, please contact our Community Engagement Team.

Archival records

Under our EPBC Act Approval, Water Corporation is required to complete archival records for pipe upgrade projects, prior to removal of above ground pipe.

As we prepare to upgrade each part of the pipeline, you can view the archival records we have completed to date below.

What is the Goldfields Pipeline and what makes it unique?

The Goldfields Pipeline is the main water pipeline between Mundaring and Kalgoorlie. The pipeline was completed in 1903 and forms a main part of C Y O’Connor’s Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (GWSS).

At the time of its construction, the Goldfields Pipeline was the longest freshwater pipeline in the world, at 560 kilometres.

The GWSS was included on the National Heritage List in 2011 and is protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Heritage listing provides formal recognition that a place has heritage significance for the community and is protected under law.

Are you taking away the Goldfields Pipeline?

No, we are simply replacing old sections of it.

Even though sections of the pipeline have been continually replaced throughout its history, some sections are still the original pipe from 1903 and they need to be replaced in the coming years.

As the pipeline is on the National Heritage List, we require approval under the EPBC Act to remove these sections of the pipeline as it's upgraded. We received this approval in January 2022 and the pipeline will be upgraded in stages over the 70-year term of the approval. 

Why are you putting the pipeline underground?

The Goldfields Pipeline was originally laid below ground and was raised above ground in the 1930s so that leaks could be more easily identified. Parts of the pipeline are now more than a century old and are increasingly experiencing leaks and bursts.

Modern technological innovations have allowed sections of the pipeline to be replaced with below-ground pipe once again. New below-ground pipe is less prone to leaks and bursts and has a greater capacity to deliver safe and reliable water services that cater for the growth of the Goldfields and Agricultural Region.

What will happen with the old pipe once its replaced?

Some of the old pipeline will be safely disposed of, and other sections will be stabilised and retained in place to preserve its heritage values, in line with our Interpretation Strategy.