The North West Sydney Growth Area is expected to have 17,000 homes by mid-2025 and 33,000 homes by 2026, and once fully developed it will be home to around 250,000 people.

Sydney Water’s Senior Project Manager, James Paton, said the beginning of micro tunnelling was a significant milestone in the project, which is critical for Sydney’s future growth.

“This project will provide drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 17,000 homes by mid-next year,” Paton said.

“The micro-tunnelling will dig ten meters underground and 700 meters long along but will still be combined with traditional open trench construction methods.

“Micro-tunnelling is a trenchless technique which utilises a remotely controlled boring machine (TBM) to excavate a tunnel and concurrently install pipes.

“Open trench construction involves digging a trench, laying pipes, and then backfilling the trench.

“We have leveraged the strengths of both methods. Micro-tunnelling is used for deep sections of pipe and where surface disruption needs to be reduced. In contrast, the open trench method is used in accessible areas to maximise time and cost efficiencies,” Paton said.

Sydney Water has partnered with Confluence Water which have engaged Pipeline Install and QuickWay for open trench construction and Robb Carr for micro-tunnelling expertise.

This partnership provides an in-depth knowledge and support with planning, design and risk management to ensure a safe, efficient and cost-effective construction project.

“The use of micro-tunnelling for the project ensures precise alignment and grade control,” Paton said.

“Confluence, through Robb Carr, have utilised laser guidance systems and temporary works design to ensure the tunnel meets specifications and existing assets remain undisturbed.

“As Sydney looks ahead to an expanding future, this strategic investment in water infrastructure exemplifies a commitment to sustainable growth and community wellbeing, laying the foundation for generations to thrive in North West Sydney”.