The Northern Pipeline Interconnector (NPI) is a critical piece of the Queensland Government’s emergency drought strategy and will play an important role in the South East Queensland Water Grid.

The NPI project will connect dams, weirs and other water storages to move surplus water between Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast. With the potential capacity to transport 65 million litres of potable water per day, the pipeline will link existing and potential future water sources throughout the Sunshine Coast.

The work is being undertaken on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning by LinkWater, which is also delivering the Southern Regional Water Pipeline and the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector.

The NPI project is being undertaken in several stages. LinkWater has commissioned Southern Regional Water Pipeline Alliance to deliver Stage 1 of the NPI and to manage the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for Stage 2.

Stage 1 of the NPI will transport currently unused water allocations from Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to Morayfield Reservoir.

The 47km route is based on feasibility studies including consultation with local councils, stakeholders, designers, construction engineers, environmental scientists and cultural heritage specialists. The studies took into consideration geographical features, environmental factors and land access issues to ensure the least possible disruption to both the community and the environment. Wherever possible, the route uses existing service corridors or easements to avoid sensitive environmental areas and impact on landowners.

To view the supplementary EIS on the proposed realignment of the pipeline from an existing power line easement to an uncleared section of Old Gympie Road near Nobles Road, about 1.5 km south of Eudlo – click here

The route feasibility studies were incorporated into an EIS. To view a copy of the Stage 1 EIS and supplementary report, click here

The Coordinator-General evaluated the EIS, and formally determined on 10 October 2007 that the project could proceed. A copy of the Coordinator-General’s report can be viewed here.


Construction of Stage 1 started in October 2007, and will be completed by December 2008.

Stage 2 of the NPI is proposed between Landers Shute WTP main line and Noosa WTP near Lake MacDonald. Preliminary environmental and engineering investigations are currently underway. Click here for more information.

To read the latest NPI news, click here.