Denmark pipeline benefits set to flow

Work on the Albany-Denmark pipeline is set to start next month, bringing with it 50 local jobs, Water Minister Dave Kelly says.

Speaking in Albany last Thursday, Mr Kelly named Georgiou as the lead contractor for the project and announced its construction would inject about $5 million into the local economy.

Mr Kelly said the 43km pipeline would provide a secure long-term water supply for Denmark.

He said the project was expected to cost $25m — down from the initial estimate of $32m.

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

The pipeline is scheduled for completion by early next year and will connect Denmark to the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme in Albany.

Mr Kelly said the pipeline would not affect the water supply to Albany.

“The draw from Denmark won’t be significant,” he said.

“There’s sufficient sources in this scheme at this point to supply Denmark without any impacts on supplies for other towns.”

The pipeline will pass through 18 properties affecting 16 landowners.

Mr Kelly said there had been “extensive consultation” throughout the project and the Water Corporation had received no objections when the proposed plan was last open for public comment.

Denmark has recorded three of its driest years on record since 2014, according to the Water Corporation, with significantly less water running into Quickup Dam, Denmark’s primary water source.