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The expert panel investigating the transport of water from the Kimberley to Perth has selected two firms of consultants.
They will assist with the independent evaluation of the pipeline, canal and ocean transport options.
Panel chairman Reg Appleyard said last week that engineering consultancy GHD would assess the pipeline and canal options and Clough Engineering and Integrated Solutions would look at the ocean transport option.
The three transport options emerged from the panel's study of 30 preliminary concepts received in response to advertisements for expressions of interest placed in Australian and international newspapers earlier this year.
Professor Appleyard said the two consultancies would assess all aspects of the three concepts, including: their cost and reliability; how and where the water was collected; the best routes; the identification of social, environmental and heritage issues; the long-term operating costs; water treatment and delivery into the Water Corporation's system in Perth; and the potential to service other locations along the route.
Professor Appleyard said the questions that the panel wanted answered in the technical assessments were set out in the tender process.
"The two consultants were selected because they clearly demonstrated that they best understood our demands and provided the best methodology and process to meet them."
Both consultants will deliver their final reports to the panel by late January, 2006.
The expert panel's final report will be provided to the State Government by March 31, 2006. |
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