The Narrabri project, although short in length and duration was very challenging due to the alignment of the pipeline being the middle of the Pilliga State Forrest, within an existing HDPE Water line corridor, with no new clearing allowed. The pipeline was subject to strict EIS conditions including minimising dust and erosion onsite. To manage the conditions an extensive erosion sediment control plan (ESCP) was designed and implemented.

Major construction challenges included major river crossings, a variety of cultural heritage sites and liaising with some 4,000 property owners.

Mitchell designed and constructed six of the seven supply systems in just over 3 years, delivering the project 6 years ahead of the original 10 year time frame.

Mitchell’s safety performance on the project was outstanding, completing 900,000 manhours without a single LTI.