The Split Rock Dam to Barraba Pipeline will proceed with detailed design and documentation following local government shortlisting of tenderers.

NSW-based Tamworth Regional Council has shortlisted the tenderers for the $19.66 million 27 kilometre pipeline to be built from Split Rock Dam to Barraba Water Treatment Plant.

According to the council, the project is to ensure residents have access to a ‘quality sustainable’ water supply with funding from the council along with the state and federal governments.

The tenderers are Sydney-based AURECON Australia Pty Ltd; Sydney and Tamworth-based GHD Pty Ltd; Newcastle-based Hunter Water Australia; NSW Public Works Water Solutions; Sydney, Newcastle and Tamworth-based SMEC Australia Pty Ltd; and Sydney and Gunnedah-based URS Australia Pty Ltd.

Tamworth-based firm, Brown & Krippner Pty Ltd has started work on a detailed survey of the proposed pipeline route along Oakhampton Road and the Fossickers Way, which is along road reserves and some privately-owned land.

A recent council meeting considered a report detailing expressions of interest received from 12 firms wanting to provide design consultancy services for the Barraba Water Supply, Split Rock Dam Pipeline and ancillary works.

According to the report, the council would establish a shortlist of suitably qualified and experienced consultants to be invited as selected tenderers to submit detailed tenders.

Included in the design consultancy would be geotechnical analysis, preparation of a review of environmental factors and the preparation of contract documents for works construction.

A preferred tender for the pipeline design consultancy services will be decided in April, and the pipeline project is expected to be completed by May 2014.