Parliamentary Committees

Public Works Committee: Sturt Water Tank Rehabilitation Project

Ms HOOD (Adelaide) (11:02): I move:

That the 134^th report of the committee, entitled Sturt Water Tank Rehabilitation Project, be noted.

The subject water storage tank is located approximately eight kilometres south of the Adelaide Central Business District at 960 Marion Road in Sturt. The existing tank is a 65-year-old concrete structure with an approximate capacity of nine million litres. Presently, it serves 86,000 people and is a critical component of the South Adelaide Water Distribution Zone.

Originally constructed in 1959, recent assessments have uncovered structural defects to the tank, consistent with assets of this age. These defects need to be addressed to reduce the risk of the tank's roof collapsing as well as to prevent accelerated water leakage. The proposed refurbishments aim to support long-term viability as well as sustained delivery of reliable baseline services for existing SA Water customers.

Two options were assessed to remedy the ageing tank. The first considered rehabilitating the existing tank, extending the asset's life by 40 years. The second involved demolishing the existing tank and constructing a replacement of equivalent size. SA Water has selected the rehabilitation pathway as it presents a cost-effective, sustainable and productive solution, and presents the most favourable net present value. It is also environmentally favourable as there is minimal impact to the existing construction footprint. The option to build a new tank was not preferred as it required significant capital expenditure costs as well as significant challenges to ongoing water supply for customers due to its longer projected construction period.

The rehabilitation works will replace the tank's roof and associated support structure, rehabilitate the tank's inlet and outlet pipework and concrete structures, including columns, wall and floor, as well as provide a new safe access point to the tank.

The site is owned by SA Water, and the submission states that there will be no ongoing operational costs. The project is confined predominantly to the existing infrastructure site location; however, communication with relevant stakeholders and landowners will continue throughout the planning and construction phases. Construction is expected to begin by midyear and is anticipated to be complete in early 2026.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to the Sturt Water Tank Rehabilitation Project. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were Emma Goldsworthy, Acting Senior Manager, Capital Delivery, SA Water; and Ben Muller, Senior Project Manager, SA Water. I thank the witnesses for their time.

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.