Key components of the Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal Project have started to arrive in Wagga Wagga, in preparation for the construction of the long-awaited pipeline to connect Lake Albert with the Murrumbidgee River.
The first lengths of 12-metre pipes were delivered on Friday 27 February. More arrived this week, along with several loads of 20-metre-long pipes.
A total of 250 x 12-metres and 172 x 20-metre pipes are being sourced regionally for the pipeline – manufactured by the successful supply tenderer, Iplex, at their facility in Albury.
Wagga Wagga City Council's Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton says it marks another step forward in the $9-million project to help improve water quality and water levels in the lake.
"The arrival of these pipes demonstrates Council's ongoing commitment to the delivery of the project," Mr Creighton said.
"It means we will be ready to start construction of the 6.5-kilometre pipeline from the Murrumbidgee River to the lake once all the associated approvals for the works are finalised and the construction contracts are in place.
"Council went to market in mid-January 2026 for the tender to install the pipeline and for construction of two associated pump stations and have received strong interest for both contracts.
"We are now in the process of assessing those submissions and will then prepare a report to go to the Council meeting later this month (March) for a decision."
The pipeline and pump stations are Stage 2 of the Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal Project, which will allow Council to pump up to 1800 megalitres of water annually from the Murrumbidgee River.
In addition to these works, key construction will also be undertaken to replace the existing ageing weir structure at the northern end of the lake, to allow Council to better control the outflow of water from the lake.
It is anticipated these works will commence in the coming weeks, while the water level is low. Once it is completed, the old weir structure will be demolished.
"Lake Albert currently depends upon large rain events to fill, and without these events, the water levels drop and stagnate, Mr Creighton said.
"With the completion of the new pipeline and weir, clean water will be pumped to the lake each year, minimising water level fluctuations.
"The overall aims are to protect and enhance the Lake Albert precinct, delivering environmental, business, social and tourism benefits for the Wagga Wagga and broader regional community who use the lake."
The project is funded through the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Government.
