Downer awarded $600m Queensland water contract

Downer EDI has announced it has been awarded a contract to deliver water, sewerage and recycled water services in south-east Queensland.

The contract, awarded by Unitywater, commences in May 2024, with an initial five-year term plus three two-year extension options. The contract is valued at an estimated $600 million to Downer over the initial five-year term.

Downer will be responsible for delivering capital works for the water, sewerage and recycled water networks within the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions, as well as works across Unitywater’s 17 sewerage treatment plants in the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Moreton Bay regions. The full scope of work includes program management services, stakeholder management, business case development, and construction and commissioning of water and wastewater assets.

The Chief Executive Officer of Downer Group, Peter Tompkins, said the contract reinforced Downer’s position as a leading provider of water and wastewater services in Australia and New Zealand.

“With the award of this contract, Downer now supports water and wastewater services to more than 13 million Australians — more than half the Australian population,” he said. “This is an important contract award for Downer in a growth sector where Downer has industry-leading expertise. We have previously partnered with Unitywater on a range of projects; however, this new long-term collaborative style contract will significantly expand our relationship.

“We look forward to working closely with Unitywater to deliver these vital services to this rapidly growing region in south-east Queensland and contributing to Unitywater’s net zero emissions targets as well as creating sustainable employment outcomes and opportunities for local service providers and suppliers.”

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