Strong partnerships, tailored solutions

Saunders was awarded a $10.4 million contract by Ward Civil to deliver new water storage infrastructure as part of the Wilton Integrated Services Program (WISP) in South West Sydney.

The project strengthens Saunders’ position in the metropolitan water market and builds on recent reservoir projects delivered at Marsfield and Marayong. It also reflects the Group’s expanded national water capability following the integration of Saunders Aqua Metro.

Mobilising in April 2026, the project supports growing water demand driven by population growth in Sydney’s South West growth corridor.

The contract includes:

• Construction of an 8ML potable water reservoir
• Construction of a 1.7ML recycled water reservoir
• Associated stairways, walkways and structural support infrastructure
• Tank fabrication and installation works

This project highlights:

• Strengthening presence in the Sydney water infrastructure market
• Integrated tank fabrication and civil delivery capability
• Continued momentum following recent reservoir projects
• Alignment with Saunders’ strategic focus on critical water infrastructure

Saunders Aqua Metro is delivering a critical infrastructure upgrade on behalf of Greater Western Water to support Melbourne’s growing population and ensure long-term reliability of sewerage services in the CBD.

The project involves constructing approximately 750 metres of new sewer pipeline beneath Flinders Lane, Spencer Street, Siddeley Street and Wurundjeri Way and the construction of five new shafts (8-12m deep) along the new sewer alignment.

Once complete, the new infrastructure will double the capacity of the existing sewer network – originally built in the late 1800s – and futureproof the system for decades to come. This upgrade is part of a broader investment in sustainable, resilient water infrastructure for inner Melbourne.

The project involves the design and construction of two 10ML potable water storage tanks and 1.7km of DN900 MSCL pipelines, along with an access track, chemical dosing facility, and bulk earthworks on a greenfield site.

It will double the area’s drinking water storage, securing supply for up to 10,000 properties.

Engaged by Aqua Metro, Saunders is delivering the project under an expedited program, minimising disruption through close supply chain collaboration and concurrent tank construction.

The Bendigo WTP is located in the Kangaroo Flat area, South of Bendigo, and it supplies potable water to around 100,000 customers from the Sandhurst Reservoir via Bendigo’s Potable Water Distribution System. The plant, with a capacity of 126 ML/day, has been in service since 2002 and it is owned and operated by Veolia under a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) contract on behalf of Coliban Water.

The project is for the supply, installation and commission of a new UV Disinfection System and the construction of a Chlorine Contact concrete Tank including all civil, mechanical, electrical and control works:

• Civil Earthwork and Site Preparation
• Construction of a 40mL x 10mW x 6mH concrete tank
• 4 UV reactors and building
• 1200NB MSCL and 700NB SS piping

Control system upgrades including PLC and SCADA modifications.

The Brushy Creek Recycled Water (RW) Infrastructure project will deliver infrastructure to supply developments and irrigators located in Croydon, Chirnside Park and Lilydale with Class A Recycled Water. The new infrastructure delivered through this project will remove reliance on the potable water network, enabling the removal of temporary cross connections and ultimately reducing potable water consumption.

The project is for the construction of:

• Plantes Hill Reservoir: A 2.1ML capacity welded steel tank, located at the existing Plantes Hill site, to the south of the existing Lilydale Reservoir.
• Stage 3 upgrade of the Brushy Creek Recycled Water Pump Station: The existing pump station is located at Brushy Creek Recycled Water Treatment Plant.
• Plantes Hill Inlet/Outlet Main: A DN225 non-tapping bi-directional main. which allows pumping from Brushy Creek Recycled Water Pump Station to supply the network direct to zone or supply the network via gravity from Plantes Hill Reservoir.
• Dorset Road PRS: An above ground Pressure Reducing Station (PRS), which reduces pressure to ensure that the supply to The Range estate is within allowable limits.

Fletcher Road PRS: An above ground PRS, which reduces pressure to ensure that the supply to The Gardens estate and future Chirnside PAC is within allowable limits.

The project involved the design and construction of a new 30 ML potable water storage tank to replace the existing 20 ML tank. The scope included the safe demolition and removal of the existing tank and associated infrastructure, followed by the decommissioning and removal of pipelines.

New MSCL pipework and valves were supplied and installed to support the upgraded system. Additionally, the existing drainage system was removed and replaced with a new one to accommodate the revised layout and capacity.

The project also delivered several infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a new crane pad, the installation of new asphalt pavement around the tank, and upgrades to unsealed access roads.

Electrical upgrades were undertaken to support the new infrastructure. This included the installation of a new SCADA system, updated telemetry, and reprogramming of the PLC to ensure full integration with the enhanced system. The electrical system was comprehensively updated to suit the requirements of the new infrastructure and improve overall operational reliability.

The Portarlington Water Recycling Plant (WRP), covering 120 hectares with 80 hectares devoted to tree lots, has been operational since 1982 and primarily uses a unique lagoon system for water treatment and storage. The system consists of four lagoons working in pairs in a batch mode, where facultative lagoons (1 and 2) alternate with maturation lagoons (3 and 4) to achieve Class C recycled water quality. This treated water supports onsite irrigation and a transfer pump feeds recycled water to local vineyards and a golf course.

The current system faces challenges such as managing algal blooms and seasonal water levels to ensure adequate storage capacity. To enhance water quality and expand reuse options, the project is to install a Salt Reduction Plant (SRP) capable of producing 3.0 ML/day of Class B salt-reduced recycled water. The SRP will involve several treatment steps including coarse screening, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and chlorination, aiming to reduce salinity and meet strict water quality targets. This upgrade is crucial for meeting growing demand for recycled water on the Peninsula, potentially reaching up to 1,250 ML/year.

Scope of works involves the design, supply, modify, construction, commissioning and testing of new:

• Coarse Screen
• Dissolved Air Flotation Filtration (DAFF) system
• Filtrate Tank
• Membrane Filtration System
• RO Feed Tank
• Cartridge Filters
• Reverse Osmosis System
• Permeate Blending and Disinfection
• Brine Blending system
• Chemical Dosing systems
• Sludge Handling system
• Associated pipework and pumps
• Earthworks comprising foundations for all equipment and buildings.
• Plant buildings