Project Firsts

The Bowen Pipeline Company proudly showcases the following accomplishments:

• Queensland’s first Net Zero pipeline;

• Community led. Community funded.

• Traditional Owners agreements in place;

• Local First employment policy;

• Use of the latest world leading Australian HDPE pipe technology saving millions of kilometres in B double truck movements (carbon

  reductions) - used in Australia and worldwide;

• Lodged our Ministerial Infrastructure Designation for endorsement with the Department of State Development and Infrastructure in March 2024.  We anticipate receiving Ministerial endorsement in the coming months to lodge the formal application. Project approval prior to the caretaker mode of the upcoming State election would mean that we would start construction in September 2025 and be operational in 2027.

• Supplying reliable water for the 1st time to a region that produces 1/5th of Australia’s entire vegetable production;

• Supplying to the Abbot Point Green Energy Export precinct (ammonia and green hydrogen) from 2027;

• Using existing available water allocations that have been stored in the Burdekin Falls Dam for 40 years;

• Use of Australian manufactured solar panels (Tindo Solar);

• 200 jobs during construction and 1,200 when operational;

• Supporting the 2050 Great Barrier Reef Sustainability Plan by underboring all the 15 major and high value rivers and creeks and not permitting non restricted flood irrigation.

The Pipeline Project

The Bowen Pipeline Project (BPC) is a 182 km underground water pipeline commencing 16 km upstream from Home Hill (Burdekin River) moving south to Bowen. Existing available water allocations from the Burdekin Falls Dam will be secured from Sunwater and local water allocation owners. The pipeline will generally run adjacent to the Bruce Highway, mainly on private land and unformed road reserves.  

To support this, BPC has agreements with all impacted private landowners, a draft Infrastructure Agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), an Early Works Deed with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) for the Abbot Point State Development Area (APSDA) and strong support from the Whitsunday Regional Council.

The Project will use world class Australian technology for the onsite extrusion of the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in 100+ metre lengths, generating a reduction of some 5 million kilometres in B double truck movements. This helps to minimise the pipeline’s carbon footprint and cost efficiencies, saving over 36,000 hours in welding joints (another reduction in the carbon footprint from energy savings). The longer lengths of HDPE pipe also result in 90% less welding (potential failure points) compared to steel or concrete piping, creating construction and cost efficiencies. 

The project will allow the creation of a reliable, secure water supply to an area that produces 1/5th of Australia’s vegetables and is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area, currently growing more than 250 million kilograms of fruit and vegetables each year, with a gate value of over $650 million.  

The project has 40 grower and industry investors who have to date invested some $2.5 million as well as receiving a Commonwealth Grant for $5 million for engineering and design. Most investors are growers, business owners and individual residents in the Bowen and Burdekin Regions.  Importantly, project equity holders include the Juru People, and together with the Bindal People, form a cornerstone of the Project as our goal of shared Indigenous Prosperity.

The Port of Townsville will play a major role in the construction of the Project with the delivery of over 2,000 HDPE containers. Townsville, Ayr and Bowen will supply consumables, materials and accommodation during construction and as the nearest Industrial, Logistics, Machinery and Commercial centre will be at the forefront during operations.

The intended use of the agricultural water is for the expanding export markets of high grade fresh and valued added vegetables and fruit to Japan, Singapore, South Korea, India, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan as well as other trading partners like New Zealand and the USA, using the existing Free Trade Agreements - both via the Port and the Airport. Cold storage facilities, logistics and quarantine services will play a pivotal part in the development of these international markets.

Our secure and high-quality water supply will enable increased production of existing citrus and macadamias along with diversification into new high value crops such as legumes, mung beans, millet and chia.

For aquaculture, access to fresh water would eliminate high desalination costs allowing for cheaper production and greater ability to meet local market demand. The Bowen Pipeline Company is becoming a valued member of the Bowen and Burdekin communities. 

As a community led and community funded project, our aim is to become part of the fabric of the community rather than just exist within the area.  Promoting a vibrant economy, whilst also maintaining a strong commitment to our local environment, is a core value of our company.