Public Works Committee: Construction of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure to Enable Metropolitan Growth—Tranche 2

Ms HOOD (Adelaide) (12:09): I move:

That the 131^st report of the committee, entitled Construction of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure to Enable Metropolitan Growth—Tranche 2, be noted.

In June 2024, the state government announced within its Housing Roadmap the outline of the delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure that is required to support the demands for new housing and economic development. Most of Adelaide's future greenfield growth is expected in the metropolitan supply area serviced by the metro north water supply system, with additional growth expected to impact the southern suburbs water supply system.

To support the predicted increase in demand, SA Water has identified the need for new water mains, additional water supply and pump station upgrades to maintain and improve downstream water pressure. The agency states that significant urban growth will also increase demand on the northern and southern suburbs wastewater systems. The proposed tranche 2 project aims to provide water and wastewater services that ensure current and future customers have access to the services that meet the agency's standards of quality.

The project proposes to undertake seven water and five wastewater subprojects across six districts located in the northern and southern areas of metropolitan Adelaide. In addition to increasing supply and capacity, the works will enable future system augmentation, ensuring that services are available for the expected rates of population and housing growth.

The project is expected to cost $772.2 million, and construction is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of this year, with the expectation for all elements to be complete and commissioned by mid-2028. The project will be managed by project managers from the agency's capital planning and delivery group, and the agency will use established procurement arrangements with industry, with plans to also utilise open market procurements to establish new arrangements with local specialists.

The majority of the project lies within the Kaurna people native title claim determination area, with some sites located within the Ngadjuri Nation No. 2 determination area. Further assessment of native title associated with work locations will be undertaken as the designs for the areas are developed. A comprehensive risk assessment concerning Aboriginal and European heritage will be undertaken for each location ahead of proposed infrastructure works.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to the Construction of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure to Enable Metropolitan Growth—Tranche 2 project. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were Emma Goldsworthy, Senior Manager Capital Delivery, SA Water; and Alex Blood, Executive Director Strategic Projects, SA Water. I thank the witnesses for their time. I would also like to thank the Deputy Speaker, the member for Light, who presented to the committee in support of this project in his electorate.

Based upon the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public work.

Motion carried.