Trenchless Australia Oct 2025

Breaking ground beneath Northern Sydney |

Maiden project for LD4 TBM | The future of water |

Pipeline precision in major irrigation project

We’re Creating the Future of Water for people and communities, for generations to come

This magazine is the official journal of the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) and is distributed to members and other interested parties throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific. It is also available on subscription. The publishers welcome editorial contributions from interested parties. However, neither the publishers nor the ASTT accept responsibility for the content of these contributions and the views contained therein are not necessarily the views of the publishers or the ASTT. Neither the publishers nor the ASTT accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. All communications should be directed to the publishers.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, by providing editorial material to Prime Creative Media (PCM), including text and images, you are providing permission for that material to be subsequently used by PCM, whole or in part, edited or unchanged, alone or in combination with other material in any publication or format in print or online or howsoever distributed, whether produced by PCM and its agents and

or another party to whom

CHAIRMAN

John Murphy

CEO

Christine Clancy

christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Eugene Duffy

eugene.duffy@primecreative.com.au

EDITORIAL

Tim Bond tim.bond@primecreative.com.au

Gerald Lynch

gerald.lynch@primecreative.com.au

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Nick Lovering nick.lovering@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OF DESIGN

Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au

DESIGNER

Apostolos Topatsis

COPYRIGHT

Trenchless Australasia is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Trenchless Australasia is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Trenchless Australasia are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

© Copyright Prime Creative Media, 2021

ARTICLES

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Head Office

379 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008 Ph: +61 3 9690 8766 info@primecreative.com.au www.primecreative.com.au

Sydney Office Suite 11.01, Level 11, 201 Miller St, North Sydney, 2060

Printed by: Precision Group

83-89 Freight Drive, Somerton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3062

From the editor

Eugene Duffy

In this edition of Trenchless Australasia, we turn our attention to New Zealand.

With the country’s delicate ecosystems, native wildlife, and pristine waterways, it’s little wonder that New Zealand is a hotbed of trenchless innovation, often favoured over traditional open-cut methods.

This edition of the magazine dives into this unique market, exploring the advanced trenchless techniques being utilised to tackle the challenges posed by the country’s varied terrain, whether in a busy urban centre, or the rugged wild.

We shine a light on some impressive projects happening in the region, like Channeline’s role

in Auckland’s Central Interceptor project, and Impreg’s impressive 600m sewer rehabilitation under a busy highway.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we explore the latest developments in microtunnelling, including the debut of L&D Micro Tunnelling’s latest TBM.

Finally, we reflect on the success of No-Dig Down Under 2025, and the many lessons gleaned from the important industry event.

Happy reading,

Eugene Duffy Managing Editor eugene.duffy@primecreative.com.au

Excellence in tunneling for water, wastewater and energy infrastructure.

With a focus on safety, innovation and collaborative delivery over the last 35 years, Rob Carr has achieved outstanding outcomes in water, wastewater and energy infrastructure projects in both Australia and overseas. Rob Carr is part of Soletanche Bachy a world leader in foundation and soil technologies and subsidiary of VINCI, a global player in construction across more than 100 countries. With outstanding capabilities to manage the complexities of any project, Rob Carr has the people, knowledge and experience to deliver success.

THE AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY FOR TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

ABN 43 893 870 966

P.O. Box 2242, MALAGA

LPO WA 6944

www.astt.com.au

President: Ben Crosby

Secretary: Trevor Gosatti

Vice President: Blair Telfer

COUNCILLORS

Western Australia: Aizezi Jiang

Queensland: Ben Crosby

New South Wales: Jason Marshal

Victoria: Ash Hamer

South Australia: Shaun Melville

New Zealand: Blair Telfer

Northern Territory: Luke Woodward

Tasmania: Vacant

From the President

Ben Crosby

Welcome back to Trenchless Australasia, it is time to look ahead after a wonderful NoDig Down Under event in Melbourne last month.

The conference commenced on Tuesday with training sessions catering to over 40 industry professionals yearning for more trenchless information. The ASTT trained participants over the three courses: HDD, Pipe Rehabilitation and New Installations. That evening, our Young Trenchless Professionals gathered for an opening evening sponsored by Rob Carr, followed by our formal opening drinks event sponsored by Michels Trenchless. The night was the perfect way to start the conference, allowing people to collaborate and network ahead of the action packed No-Dig.

On the morning of day one of the conference, the keynote speech was delivered by Dr Sam Ariaratnam who spoke on the development of the trenchless industry, including decarbonising, digitising, and deploying smarter infrastructure.

The ASTT hosted a formal panel discussion including the partner water authorities enabling a fruitful conversation on what the authorities and the market need from one another. It was great to see some alignment to positively move the industry forward.

Day two commenced with another panel discussion where we heard from trenchless experts from across globe. The resounding point from this discussion was that trenchless is alive and well and seeing significant growth.

The technical papers portion of the conference was held over two full days

(Wednesday and Thursday) and the quality of papers, presentations, questions and answers was impressive.

The ASTT Gala Dinner and Awards was a brilliant night, with a large group of attendees gathering to celebrate the success of the industry. It served as a chance to continue recognising the success of the industry and the challenges it has overcome in the last few years were the ASTT Awards.

Throughout the conference, it was inspiring to hear the stories and emerging technologies of the industry.

From the best rehabilitation project to the new installation project of the year, there was lots learn and celebrate this year.

I hope you all give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done over the course of the past few years.

I am grateful that we were able to host and attend a conference to celebrate our industry such as No-Dig.

Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors for continuing to believe in the vision of NoDig Down Under and supporting the event.

This edition of the magazine will focus on the diverse terrain of New Zealand.

It will showcase a range of fascinating case studies that demonstrate the practical application of trenchless methods in different projects throughout New Zealand.

From horizontal directional drilling beneath difficult terrain to advanced pipe bursting techniques, this edition of the magazine will bring you case studies that highlight the versatility and adaptability of trenchless technologies.

Ben Crosby President, ASTT

UV-CIPP LINER SUPPLIER OF

PRODUCTS

Pro Line supplies UV-CIPP liner from DN150 – DN2400 and is suitable for the following host pipes:

• Gravity

• Pressure

• Potable Water

CONTACT US TODAY

by actively partnering with local community groups and creating employment opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of the communities we serve. By partnering with community groups and Aboriginal businesses, we not only deliver innovative pipeline solutions but also help build a stronger, more resilient future for generations to come.

Partner with Pro Line for unmatched support across every stage of your UV-CIPP projects. For more information, visit www.prolinetrenchless.com

Secretary’s corner

SEPTEMBER 2025

New Members

On behalf of the ASTT, I extend a warm welcome to the following new members:

Silver Corporate Member – Australia

• WA Utilities (Ben Forrest)

Individual Members – Australia

• Matthew Simmons – BIM One Solutions

• Sam Wiffen – Reveal

• Cieber Da Cunha – JBA Consulting Engineers

• Edward Button – AoSullivan Pty Ltd

• Nikhil Thomas – Wagga Wagga City Council

• Richie Ho – BIM One

Individual Member – New Zealand

• Sam Buttenshaw – Welshaw Consulting

• Blair Telfer – Mott MacDonald

Young Professional

Individual Members – Australia

• Joshua Hill – Easy Dig Pty Ltd

• Benjamin Lonergan – BIM One

No-Dig Down Under 2025

The ASTT No Dig Down Under 2025 was held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre on the 17th to 18th September 2025 and was a fantastic success.

The No Dig Down Under is the largest technology event in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the best attended and presented in the world. It certainly lived up to this label with its highest ever participation rates.

The NDDU exhibition was the largest ever and with its association with the Converge Expo, visitor numbers to the exhibitors was high and well received.

The conference program included a great program of several streams with trenchless technology conference papers highlighting the advances in technology and papers showcasing trenchless projects with case studies on how the projects were completed.

Key highlights of the conference were:

• Keynote speaker Dr Samuel Ariaratnam, Professor and Sunstate Chair at Arizona State University, a great supporter of the ASTT and the ISTT presenting his paper on Trenchless Technologies for a Resilient Future: Decarbonizing, Digitizing, and Deploying Smarter Infrastructure.

• The State of the Industry Panel on the opening morning discussing the domestic markets for Australia & New Zealand and involving the following panelists from local Water Authorities.

• Simon Willis – Deputy General Manager, Asset Delivery & Care – Yarra Valley Water

• Ian Burton – General Manager Growth & Infrastructure – Greater Western Water

• David Errey – Group Manager, Engineering & Technical Solutions –South East Water

• Scott Cavanagh – Head of Enterprise Project Delivery – Barwon Water

• Jason Marshall – CEO – PipeCore –ASTT NSW Councillor (contractors perspective)

• The International Trends Panel on the second day of the conference discussing the International markets and latest trends. The following panelists participated:

• Roland Waniek – (Germany) Managing Director, IKT Institute for Underground Infrastructure.

• Iain Naismith - (United Kingdom) Project Director, UK & International, IKT Institute for Underground Infrastructure.

• Craig Vandaelle – (North America) President, Michels Preconstruction Services Inc.

• Prof. Baosong Ma – (China) Professor School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, China.

• Dr Samual Ariaratnam – (Rest of World) Professor and Sunstate Chair of Construction Management and Engineering, Arizona State University, USA.

• The ASTT Gala Dinner incorporating the ASTT Trenchless Awards . The winners this year are:

• Rehabilitation/Renewal Project of the Year - Offshore Overboard Pipe Reline (OOPR) – Tunnel Vision (WA)

• New Installation Project of the Year

- Jansz IO HDD Project – HDI Lucas / Spiecapag

• New Technology: Machine, Tool, System or Technique - Trenchless Grounding –R&R McClure

• Jeff Pace Young Person of the Year - Jarred Wray, of City Coast Services

• ASTT Trenchless Woman of the YearDannielle James, of Pipe Pro Drilling & James Vac Solutions

• Menno Henneveld Person of the YearStuart Harrison, of OptionX Group

• Congratulations to all the winners!

in New Zealand

2026 ISTT International No Dig

Now that the NDDU in Melbourne is completed, start planning for the International No-Dig 2026 Auckland in New Zealand with its revised date change, to now be held from October 28-29, 2026, at the newly built New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.

The ASTT is hosting this event on behalf of the International Society for Trenchless Technology and it promises to be a popular event for international visitors.

There is a lot of interest already for this international event that will provide local New Zealand and Australian members to experience a great event at a fantastic location.

A reminder to save the new date in your calendar and start planning for next year!

ISTT Website

In the last edition of the magazine I mentioned the new ISTT website with many new features. In the next few months we will be providing some details on benefits for ASTT Corporate members provided by the new ISTT website.

Keep a look out in you inbox for details of this member benefit.

Trevor Gosatti Secretary, ASTT

Major Melbourne sewer upgrade goes trenchless

Greater Western Water is set to utilise trenchless technology as part of a major upgrade to Melbourne’s sewer system.

Greater Western Water (GWW) is getting ready to construct 744m of sewer pipe underneath Melbourne’s CBD in a major project which will double the capacity of the sewer and support up to 100,000 new residential dwellings in the CBD over the next 100 years.

The project marks the fourth and final stage of a $160 million upgrade to Melbourne’s CBD sewer network, which GWW has delivered progressively over a number of years.

In the lead up to construction, GWW is working closely with local residents and businesses to keep them informed about the project with pop-up events, meeting with local businesses and residents, installing noise monitoring devices in buildings and offering opportunities to engage online ahead of works starting.

GWW General Manager for Growth and Infrastructure Ian Burton said the project was essential to future-proof the city’s sewerage infrastructure for generations to come.

“Parts of Melbourne’s sewer system date back to the late 19th century, when

Melbourne was a much smaller city. These essential works will ensure the sewer system can meet the needs of our population as it grows for the next 100 years,” he said.

“We’re engaging with the community who live, work or do business in the area, so they’ll know what to expect when the works start, and we’ll take steps to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.”

GWW has appointed Aqua Metro to deliver the project, with site investigation works already completed.

Construction is expected to start on

Spencer Street in late 2025, followed by Siddeley Street and Wurundjeri Way. GWW will keep local community members and businesses up to date with construction timings in the coming months.

GWW aims to reduce impacts to the surrounding roads and the community by using a tunnel boring machine to install the pipeline.

Last year as part of the major upgrades to the city’s sewer network, GWW completed a new 700m sewer pipe under Elizabeth Street from Lonsdale Street to Victoria Street.

Alkimos desalination plant’s tunnelling begins

The Alkimos seawater desalination plant has reached a major milestone, transitioning from land based works to offshore tunnelling.

Two giant tunnel boring machines (TBMs) – each over 4m in diameter and longer than a football field – started their undersea mission.

The machines will carve two subterranean pipelines over the next 12–18 months, carving a 2.5km intake tunnel to draw in

seawater, and a separate 4km outfall tunnel to return concentrated brine. Advanced technology will ensure minimal impact on dunes, beaches, and marine habitats.

Continuing a long standing TBM tradition, the machines have been named. The intake TBM is now Mary, inspired by Mary the Prophetess, an alchemist famed for purifying liquids. The outfall TBM is Karli, derived from the Whadjuk Noongar word

for “boomerang,” acknowledging local Indigenous connections to the land.

The $2.8 billion project is Western Australia’s largest seawater desalination initiative. Once complete, the project is set to deliver 50 billion litres of drinking water annually, helping meet the needs of over 2.5 million people while reducing reliance on climate stressed groundwater.

The significant infrastructure project will improve resilience of local water supply and ensure uninterrupted and continuous service to the expected housing growth in the area.

Named to honour local pioneer Jane

The project will facilitate an increased drinking water capacity and reliability for the growing Sydney population.

The launch last week was celebrated by community representatives and project partners, with a traditional smoking

The whole world of HDD Technology

key milestone in delivering sustainable water services to support Sydney’s future growth,” the statement said.

“Well done to all involved – great progress and collaboration on the Thornleigh pipeline duplication.”

Celebrating 25 years of kwik-ZIP innovation

As kwik-ZIP marks 25 years of business, the company pauses to reflect on its many milestones, as well as the people who have helped shape its journey.

For a quarter of a century, kwik-ZIP has been at the forefront of engineering innovation, transforming the way centralisers and pipeline spacers are designed and delivered across the globe. Over the last five years alone, more than three million kwikZIP units – spanning a range of sizes – have rolled out from precision injection moulds, destined for projects on every continent.

From small-diameter centralisers used in monitor wells and foundation piling, to robust pipeline spacers capable of accommodating diameters in excess of 3.5m, kwik-ZIP’s applications reflect an impressive versatility. Each product is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to solving real-world challenges in civil construction, water infrastructure, and energy sectors.

Innovation runs deep at kwik-ZIP. The relentless pursuit of smarter, more effective solutions has resulted in an impressive intellectual property portfolio, with ten patents and two design registrations secured globally. Notably, the company’s most recent U.S. patent – granted just two months ago –speaks to kwik-ZIP’s continual evolution and relevance in a competitive landscape.

From the outset, materials engineering has played a central role in kwik ZIP’s success. Its products are manufactured from engineered thermoplastic blends that offer high flexural strength, excellent temperature resistance, low coefficients of friction, and resistance to abrasion. Crucially, these components are non metallic, which avoids many of the problems associated with corrosion, damage to composite casing, or complications in environments with chemical exposure.

Compliance and accreditation have also marked important milestones. kwik ZIP’s HD, HDX and HDXT Series casing spacers have been formally approved under the Water Services Association of

Australia (WSAA) Product Specification WSA PS 324. This specification prescribes standards for casing spacers in terms of material, runner spacing, abrasion resistance, and more –meaning that kwik ZIP’s products are not just well engineered but recognised by relevant regulatory bodies.

kwik-ZIP products are also approved for use within many utilities’ infrastructure, including Melbourne Retail Water Association, SouthEast Queensland’s Infrastructure and Materials (IPAM) list, Sydney Water and the WA Water Corporation. All products are certified by the Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) for use in contact with drinking water.

Behind every component, patent, and certificate is kwik-ZIP’s remarkable team of people who make it happen. The creativity, dedication, and resilience of the people behind the brand have propelled it from a promising idea to a trusted name in the industry.

Founder of the company, Jason Linaker, remains a guiding figure, driving technical development, leadership and the ethos of practical innovation. At every level, from design to production, from sales and logistics to customer service, the kwik ZIP team has had to balance strict technical requirements with the unpredictability of field conditions to deliver for its clients. Their unwavering commitment ensures that every centraliser or spacer produced not only meets rigorous standards but also advances the boundaries of what’s possible.

Of course, kwik-ZIP’s story is also one of trusted partnerships. kwik-ZIP’s loyal customers worldwide have placed their confidence in the brand’s ideas, supporting its growth and challenging the team to keep raising the bar. Suppliers, too, have contributed through their reliability, flexibility, and spirit of collaboration, helping kwik-ZIP deliver on its promises, time and again.

These combined efforts have resulted in tangible achievements. kwik ZIP products help contractors comply with wastewater, sewerage and water well construction codes; they protect carrier pipes in slip lining applications; they reduce risk to composite casing materials where conventional steel centralisers could cause damage. In many large infrastructure projects, including pipelines and large diameter casing installations, kwik ZIP’s spacer and centraliser systems have been selected for their reliability, cost efficiency, ease of assembly, and technically validated performance.

As kwik-ZIP marks its 25th anniversary, the occasion is one for celebration and reflection.

It’s a moment to honour the journey so far, appreciate the present achievements, and look ahead with excitement to the innovations yet to come. The legacy of kwik-ZIP is not just found in the millions of units shipped or the patents granted, but in the spirit of innovation and partnerships that have defined every step of the way.

The challenges ahead are many: evolving environmental regulations, increasing demands on sustainability, ever more ambitious pipeline projects, and more. But kwik-ZIP is ready to meet the moment. If there is one thing the company’s history shows, it’s that kwik ZIP does not rest when there is still room to improve.

kwik-ZIP Managing Director Jason Linaker summed it up neatly: “As the company looks to the future, it does so with gratitude for the past and an undiminished passion for what’s still to come.

“Thank you for being part of the kwikZIP story.”

For more information, visit kwikzip.com

Councillor’s Report

I, like many, hoped for the mantra ‘survive til 25’ but now am feeling more like ‘stay in the mix for 26’. To say it’s been a hard and rough 12 months may be an understatement for many of you. I urge you all to support yourselves and one another to get through these tough times together. Never is the need for support and camaraderie stronger.

That said I also know you are all very resourceful and resilient. That is the kiwi spirit we all embrace.

There are signs of positivity and improvements on the way. Central govt’s Roads of Significance will inspire not only the transport industry but have ripple indirect effects on other ancillary areas. Similarly, Local Water Done Well will start to create the pathways for 3Water investments.

I was recently at No Dig 2025 and saw some new innovations in trenchless techniques, technologies and thinking. Hybrids of HDD and micro tunnelling, pressure asset renewal methods, including managing AC materials, and other areas where trenchless are changing/ challenging traditional methods/thinkingdewatering, Geotech investigations, earthing. It is these constant innovations and new technologies that excite and keep me in the trenchless marketplace. I expect the same for readers of this article.

As some of you may have heard, I’m trying to change the ‘language’ around trenchless; to change it from being a specialty and ‘new’ to being considered “business as usual”; to change from trenchless being the ‘last resort’’ (and

expected to be a silver bullet) to being the firstchoice option considered. Climate change, carbon reduction, customer expectations of less disruption are all the intrinsic values of trenchless we need to promote. Don’t ‘assume’ everyone knows this – tell everyone, take the time to explain it, manage risk, don’t pretend it doesn’t exist, but explain risk management strategies.

No longer should it be “why trenchless” but “why not trenchless”. This is a balance. For some clients and consultants, it is new; it is perceived as risky, and as I just stated new technologies are constantly emerging. So again, I urge all practitioners in our trenchless industry to support one another to generally ‘rise the trenchless tide’ to show how successful and the value of trenchless. Any black cloud on any aspect of trenchless has the risk to lower the perception of the whole industry. We must always strive for high quality, high value, successful projects that enhance our reputation and give our clients confidence.

The ASTT is here to provide that advice, knowledge and advocacy as you may need or want it – please reach out to me as to where and how I and the Society can assist. And then support one another, with participation in events like WaterNZ, that will now have a trenchless stream every year thanks to a recent MoU ASTT and WaterNZ agreed, trenchless forums and other industry activities.

We have an awesome opportunity next year to showcase NZ to the international world with the ISTT No-Dig conference in Auckland

in October 2026. I know you will all be there to support - let’s hope we have turned the corner as a country by then too.

My final words again – look after yourselves, your whanau, your workmates. Check in on one another; please don’t be afraid/shy/ embarrassed to ask for help. We can’t help anyone if we aren’t ‘there ourselves’.

I look forward to catching up with as many of you as I can at WaterNZ and other trenchless events. Kia Kaha – stay strong.

Blair Telfer New Zealand Councillor, ASTT

TBM returns after installation

A 19.5 tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) docked at Onehunga Wharf after successfully tunnelling Watercare’s $22m Clarks Beach Outfall over seven weeks.

The 1.2m wide TBM was secured to the keel of a 4m long barge for its journey back to land.

The outfall is a key component of a broader infrastructure programme designed to support the projected population growth in Auckland’s south-west, which is expected to reach approximately 30,000 people by 2050.

Watercare program delivery manager Dave Kennerley said the outfall will initially carry highly treated wastewater from the Clarks Beach wastewater treatment plant,

which is currently being upgraded.

“The outfall has been designed and sized to support future population growth, as well as to store and discharge treated wastewater approximately 100 metres into the Waiuku Channel – a highly dynamic part of the harbour where it will quickly disperse,” he said.

“The wastewater that will be dispersed from the outfall will be of exceptionally high quality – and will only be discharged on the outgoing tide.”

Watercare project manager Jason Salmon said it took the TBM seven weeks to tunnel and install the outfall, which popped out at a receiving pit 10m under the sea mid-last month.

“After completing a seamless 240m drive – chewing through soil, weathered and formation rock to a depth of around 13m underground – the TBM sat on the seabed for two weeks,” he said.

“This allowed a crew of specialised divers to securely plug the outfall, preventing seawater intrusion, and safely secure the TBM to the underside of the pontoon.

“The pontoon is part of a larger fleet which includes three other hardworking vessels: The Combi, Iona and Tūhura, all of which can be seen working on the harbour from Clarks Beach.

“The crew is focused on carrying out the piling work to establish a solid foundation for the 66m long diffuser.”

The Tūhura will drive seven large columns into the ground to create a sturdy base for the diffuser that will connect into the outfall the TBM has dug and installed.

The role of the diffuser is to disperse treated wastewater through 22 rubber nozzles.

The outfall will be brought into service at the same time as the Clarks Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, which are expected to be completed by June next year.

with

Channeline makes its mark on record wastewater project

Channeline’s bespoke GRP liners were recently utilised on a section of Watercare’s $1.4 billion Central Interceptor project in Auckland.

Watercare’s $1.6 billion Central Interceptor is the largest wastewater project in New Zealand, featuring a 4.5m diameter tunnel that will run for 16.2km under Auckland city and the Manukau Harbour.

The giant tunnel will reduce wet weather overflows into streams and beaches in older suburbs where there is a combined wastewater and stormwater system, which becomes overwhelmed in heavy rain by taking flows to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.

Seventeen shafts are dotted along the tunnel route, connecting the local wastewater network to the tunnel. The new infrastructure will enable future urban growth and improve resiliency for the existing wastewater network. The project is being delivered safely, on time and almost to budget by Watercare and the Ghella–Abergeldie Joint Venture (JV).

Channeline’s glass reinforced plastic (GRP) liners were used to deliver one of these critical chambers at a site in Tawariki Street, Grey Lynn.

The existing Tawariki local sewer needed to be removed to allow construction of the new control chamber. At the time of the project, Tawariki was a double brick-lined ovoid sewer

approximately 100 years old and in need of a face-lift.

Here, Channeline liners were used to strengthen the existing sewer upstream and downstream of the chamber. A flexible joint was installed at the interface of the chamber and existing sewer to allow for differential settlement.

“With a 100-year-old, double brick-lined, ovoid sewer, you can’t just go cutting through the middle of it and expect nothing to fall away,” JV Project Engineer Ollie Sefuvia told Trenchless Australasia

“That’s why we used Channeline’s GRP liner to stabilise the existing sewer. Part of that liner is also cast into the chamber walls.

“Currently, the GRP runs all the way through our chamber to maintain flow. When the project is commissioned, that small section of the GRP will be cut out, allowing the flow to drop down into the chamber as intended.”

The Channeline factor

One of Channeline’s core strengths lies in its bespoke design and manufacturing approach. Whether it’s lining a severely deformed box culvert, a large-diameter brick sewer, or a non-standard egg-shaped stormwater pipe,

Channeline’s liners are custom-engineered to suit the exact geometry of the host structure.

The Tawariki local sewer project was no exception. Channeline manufactured several 1.5m diameter ovoid liners in multiple lengths (2m, 1m and 0.9m) to create the perfect length for the existing structure. Custom lifting hooks were added onto the liners, with the longer 2m lengths having as many as six hooks, which were used to suspend the liners within the structure.

Sefuvia said Channeline’s GRP liners were selected for the project due to their simplicity, unique shape, affordability, and lifespan.

“Channeline is good to deal with. We had a single point of contact, the design drawings arrived fast, and they got the liners to us quickly,” he said.

In the end, the new chamber in Grey Lynn was executed without issues, with Sefuvia and the team soon to put the finishing touches on it.

Thanks to the combined efforts of Watercare, Ghella–Abergeldie JV and Channeline, the Central Interceptor project continues to advance, with an expected end date of mid-2026.

For more information, visit channeline.com

DISCOVER THE FUTURE WITH BOTHAR, A GLOBAL TRENCHLESS CONSTRUCTION EXPERT.

Ensure your project is delivered safely, sustainably, and successfully.

Bothar possesses comprehensive trenchless solutions alongside expertise in shaft construction and civil capabilities.

With over 30 years’ experience, Bothar is your partner for the delivery of complex infrastructure solutions.

Our Services

•Vermeer Axis Laser Guided Systems

•Auger Boring

•Direct Pipe Installations

•Shaft Construction

•Herrenknecht AVN MTBMs

•Bothar Built EPB - TBMs

•Open Face TBMs

•Tunnel Boring & Pipe Jacking

Global expansion the move for Aussie giants

OptionX Group is expanding its presence beyond Australia with a clear focus on trenchless innovation, and New Zealand is a key part of that strategy.

Lacross New Zealand, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia.

Dewstow has worked in everything from directional drilling to trenchless project consulting and equipment training.

He was previously with Vermeer as a pipeline applications specialist and also worked as a consultant across Asia-Pacific.

Now representing OptionX Group in New Zealand, he brings deep technical knowledge and firsthand experience in the field, which is proving valuable as the company introduces its technology to new markets.

He said trenchless work in New Zealand is currently slightly slower than usual, but that is expected to change.

“There’s a lot of work coming up in the future. I see a good amount of work on the horizon,” he said.

“It’s a combination of multiple works including drilling and microtunnelling, and there’s demand for both in the market at the moment.”

OptionX Group’s approach is centred around technology that can deliver accuracy, speed, and cleaner results on-site.

Its flagship laser guided boring system, AdaptX, built and developed in Australia, has already been used successfully in local markets and the technology is now making its way into projects in New Zealand, the Middle East, and North America.

“Our innovative new technology is opening doors to new markets that haven’t been available before,” Dewstow said.

“Now, we can look at opportunities with councils and others that we couldn’t consider previously.”

He said the key difference in the AdaptX as

stand that included an AdaptX Mini, patented drill rods, custom backreamers and Riteline centralisers.

new here. While other machines have some of these features, the combination with the vacuum-loaded system allows us to work very quickly and efficiently.”

The company’s focus is not just on delivering machines but also supporting customers through education and training. Dewstow has played a significant role in that across multiple regions.

“I was very involved with the OptionX Group machines currently being released, which are revised versions of the original unit that Stuart (Harrison) designed and built,” he said. “I sold the first AXIS machine here in New Zealand and provided all the training. I was also involved in training for units sent to India, the Middle East, Singapore, and the Philippines.

“Education and training are a big part of it, making sure people understand how to use the system properly is the most important thing.”

As OptionX Group continues to expand its reach into global markets, it is combining Australian-designed equipment with hands-on support, aiming to fill a gap in the trenchless sector for high-accuracy, easy-to-operate systems.

With people like Dewstow on the ground, the company is positioning itself to not only deliver the technology but to make sure it is being used to its full potential around the world.

“It’s about delivering smarter, faster, cleaner solutions,” he said. “And making sure our customers are set up for long-term success.”

Good

news keeps flowing

At last month’s No-Dig Down Under conference in Melbourne, OptionX Group successfully exhibited its latest technologies at a bumper

At the ASTT Gala night that followed the conference, CEO Stuart Harrison was announced as the ASTT Menno Henneveld Person of the Year.

Harrison said he was humbled by the award, and while he has been a transformative leader in trenchless technology for nearly 30 years, he is the first to say his achievements are the result of a team effort.

“I really feel like this should be a Company of the Year award, not recognising me as an individual,” Harrison said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been backed by an amazing team and had the privilege to work alongside the industry’s best.”

Harrison and his team are known for pioneering innovations like the Vermeer AXIS guided boring system and its evolution, AdaptX – the only system handling all ground conditions with vacuum extraction.

As founder of Edge Underground, the microtunnelling contracting arm of OptionX Group, Harrison has built a team of forwardthinking workers who thrive on using the Group’s new technology. It is a culture that values innovation, but equally the hard work, problemsolving and determination needed to get the job done. This was reflected at the ASTT Awards, where Edge Underground team member Nugraha Angga Fadillah was recognised as a finalist in the Jeff Pace Young Person of the Year category.

Harrison’s hands-on leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to local manufacturing have redefined trenchless capabilities, making his award an incredibly welldeserved win.

For more information, visit optionxgroup.com.au

Get 6 Months of WebFlex FREE when you purchase a full Rovion or Agilios System

Claim Your Free WebFlex

Why you will love WebFlex

Faster, easier reporting with web-based tools

Access inspection data remotely— anytime, anywhere

Professional reports that win more contracts

Try it risk-free for 6 months

Get started with WebFlex

Purchase a System

Choose a full Rovion or Agilios system

Activate WebFlex

Start your 6-month free access when you’re ready to use it in the field

Keep Winning Jobs

After 6 months, choose a subscription to continue access

Choose your system

Rovion System

Must include controller (VC500 or DCX5000), reel and crawler

VC500 must include Vision Report Standard unless paired with WinCan VX Advanced Agilios System

Available in 60m or 100m options

Must include VC500 with Vision Report Standard

Tough terrain, meet your match

Unveiled at No-Dig Down Under 2025, TRACTO’s newest HDD rig, the GRUNDODRILL 20ACS, is purpose-built for the complexities of Australian and New Zealand ground conditions.

No-Dig Down Under provided the perfect stage for TRACTO to officially launch its latest innovation: the GRUNDODRILL 20ACS. Positioned at the entrance of the Melbourne exhibition, the new rig drew strong interest from contractors, engineers, and project managers across the trenchless sector.

Designed as the next evolution of the highly regarded 18ACS, the 20-tonne HDD rig delivers more than just an upgrade, it introduces new levels of flexibility, power, and on-site productivity to the local market.

“The 20ACS isn’t just a step up, it’s built to take on the real-world challenges crews face out here every day,” said Dan Toms, Sales Manager at TRACTO Australia.

“We had contractors from across Australia and New Zealand visiting the stand to explore its capabilities and discuss how it fits into their operations.”

Smart design for hard ground

With its enhanced ELICON twin-tube rod system, the 20ACS allows seamless switching between jet and rock drilling modes, without needing a service tech on site. The onboard system supports up to 144 metres of ELICON DL101 rods, giving operators unmatched flexibility for long, deep, or mixedterrain bores.

“In our region, rarely do you get consistent ground from entry to exit,” said Toms.

“Out here, ground conditions can change metre by metre. You need a rig that doesn’t flinch, and just keeps drilling. With the 20ACS, you get a machine that doesn’t just cope with difficult conditions, it thrives in them.”

Support that sticks around TRACTO’s commitment extends beyond delivery. With nearly 30 years of experience in the local market, the Australian team provides end-to-end support, including training, servicing, spare parts, and tailored technical consultation.

“Whether it’s your first machine or your tenth, we’re here to ensure you get the most out of your investment, in both productivity and long-term project success,” said Toms.

Full trenchless suite on display

While the spotlight was on the 20ACS, TRACTO’s full range of trenchless technology was also on show. This included:

• GRUNDOMAT – soil displacement hammers

• GRUNDOBURST – static pipe bursting systems

• GRUNDORAM – pipe ramming solutions Toms noted that demand is growing in New Zealand and across Australia for alternative trenchless methods, particularly in areas with limited open-cut access or complex subsurface conditions.

“We’re already seeing contractors across the ditch putting GRUNDORAM to work where

traditional methods just don’t cut it, pipe bursting is one of the few ways to get the job done in some of those North Island conditions,” he said.

“As the understanding of trenchless technology continues to grow, so will the demand for our full suite of capabilities.”

For more information, visit tracto.com/au

The Trenchless Technology Professionals

S&Z offers a variety of trenchless installation methods including horizontal directional drilling (HDD), tunnel boring (TBM) and auger boring (AB)

S&Z Australia (S&Z) specialize in trenchless pipe and conduit installations.

Established in 2010 - S & Z Australia has grown to become one of Australia’s leading providers of trenchless technology, offering a variety of trenchless installation methods including Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), Tunnel Boring (TBM) and Auger Boring (AB).

S&Z are a trusted and valued partner to industry

leaders throughout the water, sewer, power, telecommunication, and gas industries, providing solutions for difficult infrastructure projects throughout Australia.

S&Z has a highly qualified and experienced management team, skilled field personnel and a large range of specialist plant and equipment.

S&Z has a reputation for superior quality work and excellent customer and community relations.

Our services include trenchless installation of all infrastructure including:

•Water pipelines

•Sewer pipelines

•Stormwater Drainage

•Rising mains

•Gas Pipelines.

•Electrical & Communication Conduits

‘Beautiful’

drill leads through tough terrain

Bursting at the seams with power, the JT32 is the next generation of drilling, packing performance and strength into a sleek package.

When JCL Drilling’s General Manager Ray Johnson describes the Ditch Witch JT32 as a ‘beautiful drill’, he’s not just talking aesthetics.

For a company navigating New Zealand’s notoriously tricky terrain, from sugar sand to fractured rock, beauty comes from performance, reliability, and comfort. And for Johnson, the JT32 delivers on all fronts.

“Our operator absolutely loves this machine,” he said. “It’s built to work hard, but it makes the job feel a whole lot easier.”

Based in New Zealand, JCL Drilling is a relatively new player in the market. However, it’s led by industry veterans who know what it takes to deliver results in challenging conditions.

With a strong focus on water and sewer upgrades for local councils, Johnson’s team is no stranger to long shots, tight deadlines, and demanding ground conditions.

That’s exactly why the JT32 stood out.

“The cab is on a whole new level compared to anything else,” Johnson said. “When you’re reaming or pulling long shots all day, comfort becomes a big part of productivity.

“And this drill was clearly designed with the operator in mind.”

The JT32’s first job with JCL Drilling was a serious test of its capabilities. The project involved 2200m of loose rock around Lake Rotomā in Rotorua, an area known for putting drilling equipment through its paces. From day one on the project, the JT32 proved itself.

“The machine felt comfortable and responsive the whole way through,” Johnson said. “It never hesitated under pressure. And when we hit sugar sand, something every driller dreads, the JT32 just powered through with a 16-inch reamer. That kind of spindle torque is a game changer.”

Another key feature for JCL has been the drill’s onboard capacity and fluid power. With 180m of rod onboard, the JT32 dramatically cuts down on time spent reloading, especially on longer bores.

“That’s a huge productivity win,” Johnson said. “And the 70GPM mud pump is absolutely essential when pulling big pipe. You need solid flow to keep the hole clean, and this system delivers exactly that.”

With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Johnson has spent time on range of rigs, but says nothing compares to the JT32.

“It’s by far the smoothest and most comfortable drill I’ve ever run.”

The machine’s performance is backed by a partnership with Ditch Witch CEA, which Johnson credits as a major factor in JCL Drilling’s rapid growth. For a new business with a full workload, dependable service and support have been essential.

“The team at Ditch Witch CEA have been incredible,” he said. “If we hit a snag, they’re on-site within the hour. They’ve even met us after hours with parts and tooling. That kind of support is rare and makes a real difference in keeping our projects on track.”

With high-performance equipment, experienced leadership, and dedicated service from Ditch Witch CEA, JCL Drilling is building a strong reputation in the New Zealand trenchless market one successful project at a time.

For more information, visit ditchwitchcea.com.au

Connecting the future

KOR Connect is redefining aftersales support for fleets using Schwarze and Cappellotto equipment throughout Australia and New Zealand.

By combining a robust nationwide service network with an intuitive digital platform, KOR delivers fast, seamless, and proactive support designed to meet the demands of today’s field operations.

This real-time data not only helps prevent breakdowns before they happen but also provides fleet managers with a transparent overview of asset utilisation and condition.

Equipment downtime is more than a disruption, it can derail project schedules, incur financial penalties, and inflate costs dramatically.

Often, the most costly part of a breakdown isn’t the repair itself, but the delays caused by a fragmented and inefficient support process.

This might mean searching for misplaced manuals, struggling to identify the correct replacement parts, or making multiple calls to organise service.

For sectors such as civil works, municipal services, and industrial maintenance, these challenges are all too familiar. Every hour lost waiting reduces productivity and can erode client confidence.

KOR Connect addresses these issues headon, enabling operators and managers to respond swiftly and effectively when faults arise.

Each KOR unit is fitted with a unique QR code, discreetly placed inside the cabin door. A simple scan with a mobile device unlocks instant access to a comprehensive support environment.

Operators can consult detailed manuals and service guides, complete OEM-based pre-start inspection forms, book service appointments digitally, and request spare parts with attached photos for precise identification.

Beyond these immediate benefits, KOR Connect offers live performance monitoring, GPS tracking, and predictive maintenance alerts via an easy-to-install GPS device.

All service records and inspection reports are securely stored and accessible through a customer portal, providing a complete history for compliance audits and incident investigations.

The system is designed with simplicity in mind, requiring minimal onboarding for field teams. Pre-start inspection forms follow familiar OEM checklists, making the

While many fleets already use maintenance systems, KOR Connect complements these by providing mobile, asset-specific access and streamlining communication between operators, managers, and KOR’s expert service teams.

This ensures that issues are clearly logged and swiftly acted upon, reducing unnecessary downtime.

One concern for many is connectivity in remote or regional worksites. KOR Connect overcomes this by allowing users to complete inspections and submit requests offline, with data uploaded automatically when an internet

This means no disruption to essential reporting or service requests, regardless of location.

Safety and compliance are critical in any operation, and KOR Connect helps maintain these standards efficiently. The system enforces consistent use of OEM-based inspection templates and securely archives completed forms.

This provides operators and managers with an auditable record that meets site and industry regulations, protecting companies during compliance checks and incident reviews. To illustrate this, consider a recent real-world example. During a routine pre-start inspection, an operator notices a small hydraulic leak.

Using the QR code, they immediately access the inspection form, document the issue with a photograph, and submit the report.

The fleet manager is alerted instantly and arranges for a technician visit the same day.

This prompt response prevents a minor fault from escalating into a costly breakdown, saving time and money. The entire process is recorded and linked to the asset’s service history, ensuring traceability and ease of reference in the future.

KOR Connect centralises aftersales support in one accessible platform. The benefits include:

Traditional Support

For operators and fleet managers, this means less downtime, faster decision-making, and better utilisation of every asset.

KOR Connect transforms equipment support from a reactive, frustrating experience into a proactive, streamlined process.

By sharing accurate, asset-specific information in real time, operators, managers, and service teams can act promptly.

This collaborative approach reduces downtime, improves operational compliance, and extends the working life of vital equipment.

For more information, visit kor.com.au

With KOR Connect

Multiple calls and emails to request serviceSingle QR scan to log request with supporting images

Paper-based record-keeping for compliance

Delays confirming part numbers

Automatic digital storage of inspections and service history

Instant access to asset-specific parts request forms

Limited visibility on asset location and useGPS tracking and utilisation data in real time

• Specialising in free boring, sleeve boring and pipe jacking • Size ranging from 350mm > 750mm in most

At L&D Micro Tunnelling we specialize in laser guided boring. Our Tunnel bore machines use a vacuum extraction system where all spoil is sucked into interceptor tanks for easy disposal with no mess. All our heads are hydraulically driven and guided by a high accuracy laser to achieve precision over long distances.

• Drill up to 120 meters with a +/- 10mm tolerance

• 30 years experience in the

Impreg and PipeWorks avert sewer crisis

Impreg’s UV CIPP liner system has helped to deliver almost 600m of sewer rehabilitation on a project in New Zealand.

In the heart of New Zealand’s Upper Hutt, where traffic flows thick along State Highway 2, an unseen crisis was quietly unfolding beneath the asphalt. A crucial section of the city’s main sewer trunk line, which carries a dry weather flow of 300 litres per second, had reached a critical point of deterioration. Urgent CCTV inspections confirmed what engineers feared: without intervention, the pipe was on the brink of collapse.

But the problem wasn’t just the failing pipe, but also its location. The compromised section sat directly beneath one of the region’s busiest transport corridors, making traditional repair methods virtually impossible without major disruption.

Faced with this high-stakes challenge, the team at PipeWorks stepped in with an innovative and minimally invasive solution. Their goal: to complete the entire rehabilitation within a strict two-week window, strategically timed during the school holidays to minimise impact on traffic and the local community.

Open trenching was ruled out early, as digging through the highway would not only have caused significant traffic chaos, but would also have been expensive, time-consuming and fraught with logistical hurdles. Instead, the answer lay in trenchless technology.

PipeWorks, in partnership with supplier Impreg, deployed an advanced ultraviolet cured-in-place pipe (UV CIPP) liner system. This cutting-edge technique offered what many in the industry now describe as a silver bullet solution: quick, efficient, and virtually invisible to the public eye.

By curing the liner in place using UV light, the team was able to restore the structural integrity of the pipe from the inside.

Over the two-week period, approximately 589m of sewer main was successfully rehabilitated using Impreg’s UV CIPP liner system. This included 144m of 825mm diameter pipe and another 445m of 675mm diameter pipe. The results were not only structurally sound but delivered with surgical precision.

The benefits extended beyond the pipeline itself. By avoiding conventional open trenching, PipeWorks was able to implement a far more agile traffic management plan, maintaining traffic flow on State Highway 2. This included both single and double lane closures, meticulously coordinated

alongside a 24/7 work program to ensure the project was delivered safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact on road users and the surrounding community.

In the end, what could have become a major failure instead became a glowing success story. At the time of writing, the project is nominated as a finalist for the Water NZ Project Excellence Award.

hanks to the combined might of Impreg and PipeWorks, the critical section of Upper Hutt’s wastewater network was restored without ever lifting a shovel. And for the thousands of drivers who cruised above it all, it was just another normal day on the road.

For more information, visit impreg-australia.com

Maiden project for LD4 TBM

Trenchless Australasia spoke with L&D Micro Tunnelling about the latest addition to its toolkit.

L&D Micro Tunnelling recently completed a challenging project in Pakenham South’s Cardinia Business Park. At the heart of this endeavour was the launch of LD4, a bespoke tunnel boring machine (TBM) built in house, marking the start of a new chapter for the company, its clients, and the communities it serves.

The project called for the installation of a 718 GRP (glass reinforced plastic) pipeline, requiring a 740mm bore, over a continuous 62m drive beneath Healesville Kooweerup Road.

The challenges for the L&D team were numerous: sticky ground conditions, a flat decline of just -0.334 percent, significant volume of traffic flowing daily over the road, a high voltage power line close to the bore line, and the connecting pipeline having already been installed on one side of the road –meaning no margin for error. The stage was set for the new LD4 TBM to make its debut.

LD4 had been under design since 2022, every component crafted or adapted within L&D’s own workshops. It was being deployed for the first time, and although the company’s leaders Luke Lewis and Christopher Dean were confident, they understood the importance of proving the machine in a live environment.

“This was the first time this machine had been used, although we were extremely confident you never know what teething problems can accrue,” Dean told Trenchless Australasia.

The high plasticity clay in the ground, which tends to hold moisture and resist cutting, made tunnelling slow and demanding. Inclement weather also played its part, making every metre of progress well-earned. Where some might have pushed for speed, the L&D crew kept quality, alignment, and safety front of mind.

“Being patient, slow and steady always wins the race, especially with these bigger sizes in this type of ground,” Dean said.

The team’s production rate settled at roughly 10–12m per day, an impressive accomplishment considering the combination of machine first use and the challenging conditions. At the moment of truth, LD4 broke through precisely on line and grade. It was welcome news for the client, Fulton Hogan. But the significance

“This TBM has expanded our capabilities to bigger sizes and harder formations.”

The successful project at Cardinia Business Park demonstrates what the combination of careful planning, in house engineering, and disciplined execution can achieve. For clients who need precision beneath sensitive

• 40% MORE DOWNHOLE

20%

53%

• 155HP CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE

• 32,000 LBS OF THRUST AND PULLBACK FORCE

• 4,200 LBS OF ROTATIONAL TORUE

The Ditch Witch drill range provides powerful and efficient solutions for underground utility installation, minimising disruption and maximising productivity. Their advanced technology allows for precise, non-destructive boring under roads, rivers, and existing landscapes, eliminating the need for extensive trenching. With robust power, unmatched control, and proven reliability, Ditch Witch drills enable contractors to complete complex projects faster and more profitably, ensuring they stay ahead of the competition and get the job done right.

Breaking new ground beneath Northern Sydney

Robb Carr has been busy with some of Sydney’s most significant water infrastructure upgrades in recent times.

Rob Carr along with Bouygues Construction Australia as part of Ironbark Joint Venture, is pushing ahead with two of Sydney Water’s major upgrades to Northern Sydney – the Thornleigh Pipeline Duplication and the North West Wastewater Connection.

Together, these projects form the backbone of a boost to drinking water and wastewater servicing for Sydney’s booming north-west corridor, where thousands of new homes and businesses are under construction.

Now deep into the main construction phase, tunnelling crews are working around the clock beneath suburban Sydney to get the job done. The projects are a showcase of trenchless technology in action, demonstrating how nodig solutions can deliver large-scale pipelines with minimal surface disruption.

Building capacity for growth

The North West Wastewater Connection is designed to provide essential capacity for growth in suburbs such as Box Hill, Marsden Park, and Rouse Hill, ensuring expanding communities can connect to Sydney’s wastewater network without overwhelming existing systems.

“The north-west is one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas. We’re essentially building a new backbone for wastewater services that will serve communities for decades to come,” said Rob Carr Managing Director David Curtarello.

In parallel, the Thornleigh Pipeline Duplication is delivering critical resilience in the upper north. By duplicating a key drinking water pipeline, this work ensures the network can handle increased demand and provide redundancy during maintenance periods.

“This duplication creates a safety net,” Curtarello said. “It means the system has the strength to cope with rapid growth, and the flexibility to respond to periods of increased demand.”

Trenchless technology at the forefront

With major urban and environmental constraints in play, trenchless construction methods are driving delivery. Microtunnelling is being deployed to navigate beneath residential neighbourhoods and minimise surface disturbance.

The main drives at both sites are now well underway, with ground conditions ranging from Hawkesbury sandstone to softer alluvial soils.

was through trenchless methods. Open-cut excavation would have been far too disruptive.”

To manage Sydney’s hilly terrain, engineers have carefully balanced pipeline grades against the need to stay deep enough for tunnelling. In some cases, this has meant innovative shaft designs in confined suburban sites.

Community benefits

By tunnelling rather than trenching, the project teams are minimising surface impacts.

Pipeline Duplication projects are on track to significantly increase water capacity for Sydney’s north-west communities.

Nirali Oza, Sydney Water’s Project Manager for the Thornleigh Pipeline Duplication said these pipelines not only help meet the demands of a growing population but also secure Sydney’s future, by building a resilient system to withstand any challenges ahead.

Any shape, any size

Channeline’s bespoke GRP lining systems can precisely fit any existing structure, offering a fullystructural trenchless solution to improve performance and extend infrastructure life for 150 years.

channeline.com

Four years in the making

Entering into the New Zealand and Australian scene, CRCHI is unveiling its triplecircular pipe roofing machine which has already had major success throughout Asia.

The Triple-Circular Pipe Roofing Machine, named “Lucheng”, represents a new species of trenchless tunnelling equipment and rolled off the production line in July 2025 at the No. 3 Industrial Park of CRCHI Changsha.

The tunnel for the Sanya Estuary Passage Project, a critical undersea link connecting Sanya Central Business District (CBD) and the Phoenix Coast Unit, has a total length of 127m. Construction involves 28 pipe roofing structures, with a cumulative excavation length of more than 1km. The alignment passes through silty clay, gravelly sand, clay, fault breccia, and moderately weathered quartz sandstone. The strata are characterised by a soft-over-hard and hard-then-soft distribution, with pronounced heterogeneity. Such ground conditions impose high requirements on the rock-breaking capacity and impact resistance of the tunnelling equipment. At the same time, multiple slurry circulation systems need to be specifically designed to mitigate the risk of collapse in soft-over-hard strata. To overcome these challenges, in collaboration with the client, CRCHI developed an innovative construction method: a pilot pipe combined with a Triple-Circular Pipe Roofing Machine.

The single circular pipe-roof machine was used to complete four independent pipes and eight pilot pipes. The lateral pipe-roof machines undertook eight sets of combined pipe roofs. This approach significantly enhanced construction efficiency compared with conventional single-face pipe-roofing machines, which could not have met the stringent schedule requirements.

The proposed Combined Pipe Roofing Construction Method is a tunnelling technique that utilises an interlocking arrangement of circular pipe roofs to achieve the simultaneous excavation and support of the surrounding ground. This method consists of two main stages: installation of the central pilot pipe roof and subsequent construction of the lateral pipe roofs.

In the first stage, the pilot pipe roof is excavated and jacked forward to form a guiding alignment. Upon completion, the pipe remains embedded in the soil, serving as a navigation and orientation reference for the following jacking operations. In the second stage, the lateral pipe roofs are connected to the pilot pipe at the tunnel face. As jacking progresses, the lateral pipes follow the trajectory of the pilot alignment, ensuring precise positioning and breakthrough. During this process, the pilot pipe is gradually displaced and pushed out by the lateral pipes, allowing it to be recovered, replaced, and reused.

This method provides a reliable means of pre-support and ground stabilisation, enabling safe excavation in complex geological conditions.

The machine, namely “Lucheng”, is a combination of three boring units. The pipe-roof machine in the centre has an excavation diameter of 2.27 m and is interlocked with two lateral pipe-roof machines, each with an excavation diameter of 2.07 m. It will be applied to the tunnel with a cross-section of 18.4 m × 18.4 m and a length of 127 m, will be constructed using 12 pipe roof sections serving as both temporary support and permanent structure. The project features water-saturated strata, primarily traversing quartz sandstone, fault breccia, gravelly sand, and silty clay. With upper soft layers overlying extremely hard rock formations, the project exhibits high compressive strength.

To overcome these engineering challenges, CRCHI developed an innovative “Pilot-

Pipe Guided, Lateral Pipe Jacking” design for a Triple-Circular Pipe Roofing Machine.

The machine adopts several key customised technologies, including a multi-posture, freely combinable machine, a multi-angle adaptive portal thrust system, a high-precision combined guidance and deviation correction system, and a special-shaped combined portal sealing system. The successful implementation of this project will significantly improve construction efficiency and reduce operational risks.

The development of this equipment, spanning four years from process research to finalisation, has achieved breakthroughs in multiple cutting-edge technologies, filling critical gaps in the industry. Its successful development provides a pioneering “CRCHI solution” for worldwide projects with complex geological conditions and large tunnel-face pipe roofing.

For more information, contact tangzhongwu@crchi.com

Bothar leverages decades of experience, a robust safety culture and an extensive fleet of specialised equipment to deliver complex trenchless solutions.

Bothar Boring’s big year

Bothar Boring and Tunnelling reflects on No-Dig Down Under 2025.

In 2025, Bothar Boring and Tunnelling finds itself in a rare but enviable convergence: a major industry event, growing global demand, and a milestone anniversary.

As the company marks 35 years of trenchless and tunnelling excellence, its role as both exhibitor and Bronze Sponsor at No-Dig Down Under has served as a powerful platform to reflect and energise for the future.

Since its founding in 1990, Bothar has evolved from a small Australian contractor into a globally recognised leader in trenchless technology, executing some of the most complex and challenging underground infrastructure projects around the world. This milestone is not just a celebration of longevity, but a tribute to the resilience, adaptability, and

exhibitor and Bronze Sponsor. Here, Bothar used the platform to showcase its wide scope of end-to-end trenchless solutions from initial design and planning, through curating mixed methodology options and shaft construction, to execution and project delivery.

The company also used the opportunity to forge new collaboration opportunities with peers, contractors, and decision makers in water, sewerage, civil and energy infrastructure. The exposure to over one hundred exhibitors and dozens of technical presentations provided fertile ground for conversation and the exchange of ideas.

Moving forward, the Bothar team remains deeply committed to innovation as a guiding principle, just as it was in its early days. Bothar is making significant investments in new machinery, improving and expanding its fleet, integrating advanced guidance systems, and embracing frontier technologies.

The future has never looked brighter.

The company is currently on track to deliver an unprecedented pipeline of works, reflecting the trust of its clients and the growing demand for trenchless solutions. With major projects underway and on the horizon – from complex urban crossings to large-scale infrastructure programs – Bothar is poised to reach new heights, extending its legacy well beyond this 35-year milestone.

As Bothar celebrates its history, the team does so with pride in its achievements, deep gratitude to everyone who has contributed, and eager anticipation of what lies ahead. From 1990 to 2025, Bothar Boring and Tunnelling’s journey has been one of adaptability, invention, and collective effort to shape the future together.

Bothar will continue to lay foundations for greater innovation, deeper partnerships, and a legacy that continues to grow.

By continually upgrading its plant and equipment, the company aims to deliver more projects, more efficiently, while reducing surface disruption and improving project outcomes.

BE SEEN. BE HEARD.

Partner with the new voice of the international no-dig industry

Launched in partnership with the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) in 2024, Global Trenchless is the new voice for the global trenchless sector, covering the latest news, projects and information in the space.

Partnering with Global Trenchless connects brands with a highly targeted audience of trenchless professionals across the world, delivering measurable marketing opportunities, strengthening brand awareness and connecting brands with decisions makers.

A council’s best friend

SECA is leveraging its technological prowess to help solve some councils’ biggest rehabilitation headaches.

AI-powered pipeline inspections are here, and WinCan

For councils, maintaining sewer and stormwater networks is a constant challenge. Ageing infrastructure, limited budgets, and increasing community expectations mean that accurate information, reliable technology, and skilled people are essential.

SECA’s mission is to support councils in reducing downtime, improving planning, and gaining maximum value from every investment. With more than 55 years of industry experience, SECA has built its approach around four pillars – inspection systems, software, after-sales support, and training – that together provide councils with a complete solution and long-term partnership.

Inspection systems

that deliver confidence Councils rely on accurate, high-quality inspection data to make informed decisions about asset maintenance and renewal. SECA supplies world-leading CCTV inspection systems designed to perform in tough conditions and deliver crystal-clear results. By integrating seamlessly with asset management software, these systems allow inspection data to move directly into council platforms, cutting duplication and saving time. The benefit is clear: more reliable information, faster reporting, and smarter decision-making.

WinCan: Turning data into action

Data is only useful if it can be translated into planning. SECA partners with WinCan, a world leader in sewer asset management software, to help councils turn inspection footage into actionable insights.

WinCan is a CCTV pipe inspection

software that allows users to collect pipe inspection data, organise it into a database, and generate detailed inspection reports. The software supports various pipe-inspection camera brands, allowing for compatibility and flexibility. This technology is designed to streamline data management and enhance decision-making processes.

Some iterations of the product even leverage artificial intelligence (AI), taking sewer inspection to the next level by fully automating defect coding. This AI processes inspection footage in real time and delivers immediate, actionable results, helping council’s save time and streamline their workflow.

“By automating defect identification and simplifying workflows, WinCan allows operators and engineers to focus on what matters most: making informed decisions and delivering high-quality reports,” SECA told Trenchless Australasia

As a provider of WinCan, SECA offers more than software supply. Councils benefit from two dedicated WinCan specialists in Australia who provide local helpdesk support, troubleshooting, and even on-site training for engineers and asset owners.

This level of support ensures councils get the most from their data, leading to better prioritisation of repairs, fewer emergency callouts, and more efficient use of budgets.

Service and support for maximum uptime

SECA understands that downtime is costly. That’s why its after-sales support is designed to keep council equipment operating at peak performance. With one of the largest CCTV service teams in Australia, spread across NSW,

Queensland, and Victoria, SECA is positioned to provide fast, reliable assistance wherever it’s needed.

Service centres carry a full range of spare parts, and technicians receive direct factory training in Europe to maintain world-class standards. For councils, this means reduced downtime, lower whole-of-life costs, and confidence that help is always close at hand.

Training that builds capability

Technology works best in the hands of skilled people. Through SECA Academy, councils can access Nationally Recognised Training (RTO No. 91255) and hands-on product courses designed to build operator confidence and competence.

From CCTV inspection to drain cleaning and rehabilitation, this training equips council teams to work safely, efficiently, and to industry standards – delivering better outcomes for ratepayers and communities.

A partner in productivity

By combining world-leading inspection systems, smart software integration, reliable after-sales support, and comprehensive training, SECA provides councils with more than just products.

The four pillars reflect SECA’s mission: to partner with councils in reducing downtime, improving asset management, and delivering reliable services to communities. It’s a commitment to long-term support and shared success – helping councils build better, stronger communities for the future.

For more information, visit seca.com.au

The ISTT’s International No-Dig is Landing in Auckland in 2026

New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland 28 – 29 October 2026

International No-Dig provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the global trenchless technology industry. Hosted each year in a different country to showcase the global industry, International No-Dig will bring together the best of the innovations and advancements in trenchless technology.

Pro Line and Trenchless Supply Group’s Partnership

A strong crowd of No-Dig Down Under attendees were left impressed by what they saw at the Pro Line and Trenchless Supply Group’s stand.

Pro Line successfully wrapped up its participation at No-Dig Down Under 2025 as a proud Bronze Sponsor, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to lead the trenchless technology sector across Australia and New Zealand.

The event, which brought together key players in underground infrastructure, provided the perfect stage for Pro Line to showcase the latest innovations in its UV-CIPP liner technology and to highlight the real-world benefits it delivers to contractors and asset owners alike. Throughout the event, Pro Line reaffirmed its position

as a market leader in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation, capturing attention for its technical leadership, product innovation, and strong commitment to customer support.

Visitors to the stand were able to explore Pro Line’s comprehensive offering, including its advanced UV-CIPP systems that continue to redefine industry standards for efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance.

One of the core themes of Pro Line’s exhibit was its dedication to local support.

The team shared how its Melbourne-based warehouse continues to hold substantial local stock, ensuring that customers benefit

from reliable supply chains and faster project delivery timelines. Equally, the presence of dedicated on-site technicians was highlighted as a key differentiator.

These specialists not only provide training and capacity building directly to contractor crews but also offer ongoing technical guidance, ensuring that every UV-CIPP project is delivered to the highest standard.

This focus on hands-on support and knowledge sharing promoted Pro Line’s broader mission to empower contractors and strengthen capability throughout the region.

A key feature of the stand was the collaboration between Pro Line and Trenchless Supply Group (TSG), which made its debut at the event as a dynamic new distributor within the trenchless market in Australia and New Zealand.

The partnership between Pro Line and TSG proved to be a powerful draw for attendees, who had the opportunity to explore a range of pioneering technologies that are shaping the future of underground infrastructure renewal.

The showcased products from TSG included several exclusive solutions from globally recognised manufacturers. Among these were innovations from Vortex Companies, including its renowned GeoKrete® geopolymer mortar and epoxy resin systems, which set new benchmarks for structural rehabilitation of manholes and large-diameter pipelines. These systems impressed attendees with their superior durability and resistance to hydrogen sulfide corrosion, offering performance advantages well beyond conventional cementitious products.

Also featured at the booth was IPP Solutions’ state-of-the-art Spray-In-Place Pipe (SIPP) technology.

This method, designed for structural rehabilitation of pipelines from DN50 and above, was praised for its seamless application process and its ability to overcome traditional CIPP challenges.

The elimination of time-consuming junction cutting and its adaptability across a wide range of pipe conditions captured the interest of contractors seeking a safer, more efficient alternative.

The combined presence of Pro Line and TSG demonstrated a strong partnership built on shared values of innovation, technical excellence, and a commitment to advancing trenchless solutions across the region.

The booth created a unique space where contractors, engineers, and asset managers

could gain insights into the next generation of infrastructure rehabilitation technologies.

Pro Line Sales and Technical Director Kevin Woolf said the event was the perfect space to show off the company’s impressive suite of products.

“No-Dig Down Under was a resounding success for Pro Line, and TSG offering us a valuable platform to showcase new innovation, demonstrate its impact, deepen relationships with industry partners, and inspire a growing community of contractors committed to

building smarter, stronger, and more sustainable underground infrastructure,” he said.

For more information, visit prolinetrenchless.com or trenchlessgroup.com.au

RING-OMATIC TRUCK MOUNTED VACUUM EXCAVATORS

FROM THE INDUSTRY LEADING INNOVATOR

Ideal for a diverse range of tasks including;

• Utility locating

• Micro trenching

• Clean up drill fluid

• Stormwater drain, pits and box cleanout

• General construction site cleanup

• Potholing

• Keyholing or utility microsurgery

• Sign and pole installation

• Environmental cleanup

Utilising the cutting power of high-pressure water along with a powerful vacuum, the Ring-O-Matic range of truck mounted vacuum excavators can remove almost any kind of surface without damaging existing infrastructures. The range offers a complete unit mounted on skids suitable for truck or trailer mounted configurations, and features tanks ranging from 1,000L to 7,500L.

Packed with features and the best components in hydro excavation the versatility of the Ring-O-Matic range ensures you can have the best configuration possible for your specific application.

Compact power for Australia’s trenchless future

Australia’s infrastructure demands are growing rapidly, especially in urban areas where space is limited and disruption must be minimised.

The Vermeer D24G Horizontal Directional Drill is designed to meet these challenges with a compact 56inch footprint and a powerful 100HP CAT engine that delivers 24,700lbs of thrust and pullback. Its size and strength make it ideal for navigating tight access points and drilling through tough ground conditions found across Australian cities and regional sites.

The D24G features an Automatic Rod Exchange (ARE) system that simplifies the rod changeout process with a single button press, reducing manual steps and improving safety. Operators benefit from onboard diagnostics and touchscreen controls that allow for quick troubleshooting on-site, which is especially valuable in remote or regional locations. With a 480ft rod capacity and a 45gpm mud pump, the D24G supports longer bores and faster reaming, helping contractors complete more metres per day.

Noise compliance is a growing concern in populated areas, and the D24G addresses this with an operator ear rating of just 88dB(A). This low noise output helps crews meet council regulations and maintain good relationships with nearby residents and businesses. Whether installing utilities in Brisbane’s suburbs or Sydney’s CBD, the Vermeer D24G offers the performance, efficiency and reliability Australian contractors need to stay competitive in today’s trenchless market.

The D24G is also built with premium hydraulic components typically found in

larger pipeline drills, enhancing durability and performance across diverse soil conditions. Its sliding open-side vise improves visibility and simplifies rod changes, while redesigned stakedowns with shark teeth improve setup speed in hard soils. These features make the D24G a versatile and dependable choice for contractors working in varied Australian terrain.

In addition to its technical capabilities, the D24G supports sustainability goals by reducing surface disruption and minimising fuel consumption. Its compact design and efficient operation help reduce the environmental

Vermeer Australia has built a strong reputation by partnering with many of Australia’s largest contractors in the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects. The company also supports a wide range of contractors, municipalities, and utilities in the installation, maintenance, and renewal of critical assets across the country. Through long-standing and trusted partnerships, Vermeer Australia has earned international recognition, consistently ranking as the number one Vermeer dealership globally. Vermeer’s commitment to excellence and customer success continues to drive innovation and industry leadership

Pipeline precision in major irrigation project

S&Z Australia has recently completed a highly successful pipeline installation as part of the Western Irrigation Network (WIN) project in Melbourne’s western region.

The 500mm diameter pipeline installation stretched 300m beneath a creek and through challenging hard rock terrain.

This remarkable feat affirms S&Z’s technical expertise and its strong commitment to quality and efficiency.

Completed well ahead of schedule, the project reinforces S&Z’s reputation for delivering innovative solutions with precision in complex settings.

A key factor in the project’s success was the use of the AT Boretec MT 45 HDD Rock Drill, a cutting-edge horizontal directional drilling (HDD) unit built for large-diameter, long-distance pipeline installations.

The MT 45’s compact design made it a smart choice for this environmentally sensitive and space-restricted site. Despite its smaller footprint, the unit offers substantial power, producing high-performance results even in the toughest ground conditions.

Its ability to operate in demanding terrain while keeping surface disruption to a minimum

helped ensure both technical goals and environmental standards were met.

Supporting the MT 45 was the AT Boretec Mixing and Recycling System, a high-efficiency fluid management solution.

This agile piece of equipment played a vital role in reducing on-site waste and lifting the overall sustainability of the operation.

By recycling drilling fluids and improving waste handling, S&Z was able to not only boost project turnaround time but also reduce environmental impact, an increasingly important focus in infrastructure today.

This pipeline installation represents a vital link in the broader Western Irrigation Network, a $116 million infrastructure initiative jointly funded by the Australian Government, Greater Western Water, and private agribusinesses.

The WIN project is designed to connect dryland farms in the Parwan-Balliang region near Bacchus Marsh with a dependable, yearround supply of recycled Class C water that is suitable for irrigation.

At the outset, the scheme will deliver around 2,400 million L of recycled water each year, with future capacity to increase to 18,000 million L by 2050. This expansion will support the growth and evolution of local farming, helping farmers move away from rainfalldependent practices toward more productive, climate-resilient agriculture.

With Melbourne’s population on the rise especially in areas like Melton, Sunbury, and Bacchus Marsh, Greater Western Water is generating growing volumes of recycled water. The WIN project offers an innovative way to manage this surplus by redirecting it to support productive agricultural use.

At the same time, the initiative promotes environmental sustainability by easing the strain on natural water sources and finding a

responsible use for treated wastewater. It stands as a prime example of how smart infrastructure investment can advance both economic development and environmental care.

S&Z Australia’s successful delivery of this technically challenging portion of the WIN project highlights the company’s ability to complete complex infrastructure work with speed, precision, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

By using advanced equipment like the AT Boretec MT 45 and efficient fluid management systems, S&Z continues to lead the way in sustainable construction practices.

This achievement further reinforces the company’s role as a trusted partner in Australia’s evolving water infrastructure landscape, supporting long-term regional growth and smarter, more sustainable water use in an increasingly dry future.

Renewing the future of Apollo Bay

TDM Pipeline Solutions’ recent renewal works at Marengo Basin highlight the power of innovation, collaboration, and trenchless technology to secure reliable drinking water for coastal communities.

Just 3km southwest of Apollo Bay lies Marengo Basin, a critical storage point in the local water supply network. The basin collects raw water diverted from the Barham River in the southern Otways before it is transferred to the Apollo Bay Water Treatment Plant. There, the water is treated to drinking quality and delivered to the communities of Apollo Bay, Marengo, and Skenes Creek.

Since its construction in 1980, Marengo Basin has been central to the region’s water security. To ensure it continues to meet the needs of these growing coastal townships, Barwon Water recently carried out a program of dam safety maintenance and critical pipeline renewal works. A central component of these works was the rehabilitation of a 58m DN300 concrete potable water pipeline that had deteriorated badly over time.

“The pipe was in a very poor condition from wear and tear and getting old,” said Brian Matthews, Operations Manager at TDM Pipeline Solutions, the contractor engaged to deliver the renewal.

TDM Pipeline Solutions brought over extensive experience in trenchless maintenance and rehabilitation of pipeline infrastructure across Australia.

Matthews said the team knew immediately that conventional methods such as traditional full dig-and-replace would be more costly, disruptive, and less sustainable. Instead, they looked to relining technology that could provide a faster and cleaner outcome.

The solution chosen was the SAERTEXLINER® H2O, manufactured by SAERTEX multiCom® and supplied exclusively through Pipe Core. This innovative GRP liner creates a new, fully structural pipe within the host pipe, restoring watertight performance and meeting the strictest international standards for drinking water. With a certified service life of 50 years, it offered Barwon Water a safe, costeffective, and long-lasting renewal option.

“I’m a fan of SAERTEX-LINER,” Matthews said. “It is easy to use and good. We have had no problems with installing it.”

The liner had already achieved key approvals for use in Australia and New Zealand, including appraisal by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) for potable water applications and certification to AS/ NZS 4020 standards by the Australian Water Quality Centre. These endorsements provided further assurance that the solution was fit for such a high-profile project.

To prepare, the TDM Pipeline Solutions crew completed SAERTEX certified installer training for both pressure and gravity systems.

Delivered at their warehouse by Alex Kaefer and Katharina Helming from SAERTEX multiCom, the training provided a mix of classroom learning and practical exercises.

“Alex and Katharina took us through one day of learning and one day of practical,” Matthews said.

“This certification, combined with our crew’s experience, gave us confidence in presenting trenchless renewal to our client over traditional methods like boring and dig-and-replace.”

Once onsite, the installation became a test of both preparation and perseverance. A crew of five, supported by Pipe Core and SAERTEX multiCom application engineers, set up in challenging conditions. Sun, rain, heavy winds, and even a bout of hail alternated throughout the works, requiring gazebos to protect the liner and the crew. Infiltration and overnight rain presented further complications, managed through pumps and a vacuum truck that kept water levels down.

“We were under some time pressure to stay on schedule,” Matthews said.

“That said, we could have installed immediately following the site preparation which we did between 11am and 4pm, but decided to wait until the next morning, starting fresh and performing the reline in comfort. If you follow a process, you won’t go wrong. Do the pre-work in the correct manner. We prepped really well and allowed enough time to do it properly. There was no need to increase pressure and get it wrong. Everything went well so this was obviously the right approach.”

The team carried out CCTV inspections and thorough high-pressure water cleaning, recycling the water on site with their Cappellotto truck. With the host pipe prepared, the SAERTEX-LINER was installed using TDM Pipeline Solutions UV curing rig. The reline was completed in two days, with another half day allocated for pressure testing.

For Matthews, the project was also a culmination of earlier exposure to the technology. “I discovered the technology at a presentation at local supplier Pipe Core and was keen to give it a try,” he said. “Alex Kaefer from SAERTEX multiCom is switched on, knowledgeable, easy to work with.”

The works were carried out with little community impact. Apart from temporary construction traffic, minimal noise, and dust, the project team operated with respect for

local birdlife, animals, and native vegetation. With Marengo Basin now returning to service, Barwon Water has strengthened the resilience of Apollo Bay’s water system. The upgrades undertaken by TDM Pipeline Solutions, with the support of SAERTEX multiCom and Pipe Core, not only ensure long-term supply reliability but also demonstrate the value of modern trenchless technologies in critical potable water applications. As Matthews reflected, the

project’s success was built on preparation, training, and teamwork. For the Apollo Bay community, it represents reassurance that their water security is being actively safeguarded. For TDM Pipeline Solutions, it signals a new chapter in delivering potable water renewals with confidence and precision.

For potable water installations, TDM Pipeline Solutions provides proven expertise.

Strategic collaboration: The future of water

As pressure rises on Australian water infrastructure – compounded by climate change, ageing assets, population growth, rising costs and increasing expectations – the way forward must be innovative, efficient, and sustainable.

In Australian water we have reached, and in some ways surpassed, a critical inflection point. Increasing extreme weather events brought on by climate change are pushing our systems beyond their current limits. Urban sprawl and higher density inner city living are similarly putting intense strain on assets that are often operating near the end of their lifespans.

As state governments, councils and water authorities face the challenge of maintaining reliable, sustainable and affordable water services, it is fast becoming clear that the way forward involves new thinking and collaboration across all areas to ensure the very best outcome from the other essential input –greater investment.

“With this convergence of pressures, there’s a growing recognition that a significant increase in industry investment will be needed over the next decade or so to meet evolving requirements and customer expectations,” says Pam Johnson, Sustainability and Environment Manager at Interflow, a leading provider of pipeline infrastructure solutions in Australia and New Zealand.

“But it’s not just about investment, it’s about how we work, collaborate and deliver solutions together.”

Innovating an engineered water solution

Joseph Curkovic, a civil engineer and Interflow’s newly appointed Innovation Manager, said the asset and engineering challenges are immense.

“We’re acutely aware of the mega, macro and micro challenges facing water authorities,” Curkovic said.

“Population growth means greater demand for water and higher volumes of sewage, which puts increasing pressure on our ageing infrastructure.

“Other challenges include rainfall unpredictability, evolving regulation, budgetary constraints, increasing expectations from

customers and transitioning to a net zero environment, to name a few.”

Innovative engineering solutions play a critical role in resolving many of these complex problems, including well-established trenchless technologies which help asset owners to address challenges in rehabilitating and renewing existing pipelines.

“These techniques minimise excavations and result in minimal surface disruption, faster construction times at a lower cost, and significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with building new pipelines, often using open trench methods,” Curkovic said.

“As constraints tighten, expectations rise and seemingly conflicting demands increase, new technologies and methodologies are paramount to meet the future needs of our customers.

“What will be required is greater, more open dialogue and collaboration across the entire value chain and asset lifecycle between asset owners and delivery partners like Interflow, who are leaders in trenchless technologies. It will demand increased collaboration, and ultimately, joint investments in new technologies.”

Only then, he says, will we be able to improve outcomes for the environment, and for communities that depend on water and wastewater networks.

The procurement challenge

More broadly, the path to sustainability and achieving net zero carbon emissions remains challenging.

“It’s not that solutions don’t exist – many of them do. The challenge lies in rolling them out consistently across an entire sector, across businesses of all sizes and at all stages of their sustainability journey,” Johnson said.

“While managing our operational emissions remain challenging, it’s achievable, especially with Interflow’s strong purpose: to improve lives, communities and the environment.

“But when it comes to what we buy and how it’s made – essentially, how other businesses operate – system-wide progress will take deep collaboration, not just with suppliers but across the whole industry. It also means engaging closely with customers, to help them prepare for the changes and challenges that come with innovation.”

As major water authorities begin shifting their procurement focus to include decisions around more sustainable and performancebased outcomes, it opens the door to new ways of working that challenge well-established and accepted engineering practices.

“That gives us permission to push ahead with our innovation programs and bring our purpose to life,” Johnson said. “Without those shifts in customer expectations, some sustainable alternatives might never gain traction.”

Roles, relationships and the knowledge gap

Contractors are rarely consulted during the design, planning and maintenance process.

innovative processes or new materials, we know what is possible and we have the breadth of experience to have seen many of these solutions in play.”

Johnson agrees. “If we want circular economy principles to become reality, and if we want innovation in materials and delivery, everybody needs to be at the table as early as possible.”

Bringing experienced contractors into discussions earlier will also help fill a gap around asset knowledge that is developing in some councils and water authorities. As people who deeply understand the assets reach retirement age, institutional memory is naturally lost. Contractors that have worked on those systems for decades often know their condition and behaviour as well as anybody.

“There are new people in the industry doing really good work around the environment and in other important areas,” Curkovic said.

“Progressive asset owners are already seeing the benefits of early contractor engagements, with the likes of Interflow.”

Where to from here?

The myriad of pressures on water in Australia mean success is no longer defined solely by technical outcomes. It is also about ensuring long-term water security, building stronger communities, respecting cultural heritage, embedding climate resilience and enhancing biodiversity.

“Achieving this requires collaboration across sectors, reflecting the spirit of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 17, ‘Partnership for the Goals’,” Johnson said.

“We must partner strategically to get where we want to go, and to make sure we’re all on the same journey.”

No-Dig Down Under wraps up for 2025

Taking place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, No-Dig Down Under 2025 brought together about 2000 attendees from the trenchless industry.

Wthe floor, No-Dig Down Under 2025 was a conference to remember for all attendees.

Organised in partnership with the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT), the event, which is the southern hemisphere’s only large-scale conference dedicated to trenchless technology, showcased equipment and solutions from more than 150 exhibitors at its free trade show.

Before the conference began, the ASTT hosted three training courses, where participants gained extensive knowledge about horizontal directional drilling (HDD), renovation of pipes by lining, and new installations methods.

The courses saw industry experts present case studies and provided valuable insights into the topics.

All attendees earned continuing professional development (CDP) points for attendance and completion of the courses.

This year, there were three themes guiding the conference stream and technical program: rehabilitation, new installation and other.

Across the two-day show in September, the streams saw the participation of multiple speakers presenting case studies, new and emerging technologies, challenging projects

and environments, industry skills and training, risk management and more.

In addition to the conference and exhibition, there were plenty of opportunities for attendees to network and catch up with friends through the sold-out social events.

On Tuesday 16 September, the Welcome Reception took place at Melbourne’s Cargo Hall, and the Young People in Trenchless Networking event brought together younger members of the industry just beforehand.

On Wednesday 17 September, Vermeer

On Thursday 18 September, the prestigious ASTT Awards and Gala Dinner, sponsored by Herrenknecht, brought together the trenchless industry to celebrate the outstanding work of

Converge Expo 2025

Taking place simultaneously to No-Dig Down Under was the first ever Converge Expo, which showcased the latest tools and technology in the municipal works, civil and commercial

The expo welcomed individuals such as Economic Growth and Jobs and Finance Minister Danny Pearson, as well as Civil Contractors Federation Victoria CEO and Victorian Civil Construction Industry Alliance President Lisa Kinross, who shared key insights into future opportunities and optimism across

Kinross opened up the first day of the conference on the Converge Expo main stage, touching on how industry can embrace current challenges in its endeavour to deliver the nation’s 10-year, $120 billion

One of the many highlights of the show was Converge Expo 2025’s major projects stage, which gave some of the nation’s largest contractors a platform to update and divulge on the progress and innovation being delivered on some of Australia’s most significant

All the winners of the 2025 ASTT Awards

On Thursday 18 September, the prestigious ASTT Awards and Gala Dinner took place, marking the end of No-Dig Down Under 2025.

The evening was sponsored by Herrenknecht, and brought together the trenchless industry to celebrate the outstanding work of their colleagues.

This year’s awards highlight individuals, teams, and organisations who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and leadership in advancing trenchless solutions. From innovative projects to pioneering technologies, the winners exemplify the best of the industry and its commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and progress.

The 2025 winners are:

Rehabilitation/Renewal Project of the Year

Winner: Offshore Overboard

Pipe Reline (OOPR) – Tunnel Vision (WA)

This world-first offshore vertical CIPP liner installation marks a major milestone in pipeline rehabilitation. Tasked with restoring a deteriorating DN600 steel water pipe on an operational oil rig, the team overcame extreme offshore conditions, and logistical constraints.

Through 12 months of innovation and collaboration, custom-engineered solutions –such as seatbelt-grade liner straps, robot-assisted pumping, and specialised scaffolding – enabled

the safe, precise installation of reinforced liners by a four-person crew.

Completed in October 2024 after weather delays, the project sets a new global benchmark

for offshore trenchless technology and showcases the power of persistence, safety, and engineering excellence.

New Installation Project of the Year

Winner: Jansz IO HDD Project –HDI Lucas / Spiecapag

The Jansz IO HDD Project, one of Australasia’s largest, involved installing three 600m DN630 HDPE conduits for Chevron Australia on environmentally sensitive Barrow Island. Between 2021-2025, the team faced challenging geology, fluid losses, and strict environmental restrictions.

Innovations included a biodegradable, seawater-compatible polymer drilling fluid, an automated polymer mixing system, and a custom reusable anchor ladder frame for efficient pipe handling. These advancements saved water, reduced emissions, and improved safety and efficiency.

Despite remote and difficult conditions, two crossings were successfully completed,

delivering critical infrastructure on time and setting new standards for environmentally responsible, technically complex HDD projects in sensitive areas.

New Technology of the Year

Winner: Trenchless Grounding –

R&R McClure

Trenchless Grounding is an innovative system that uses directional drilling to install earth grounding electrodes horizontally in optimal soil layers, improving electrical efficiency and reducing costs.

Unlike traditional deep vertical electrodes requiring open trenches, this method minimizes disruption, material use, and environmental impact. It enables real-time resistivity measurement for precise electrode placement, protecting assets and extending system longevity.

Patented in Australia and the US, and recipient of the Abbott Award at NASTT No-Dig 2025, Trenchless Grounding sets

a new industry standard for safe, efficient, and sustainable grounding installation using trenchless technology.

ASTT Jeff Pace Young Person of the Year

Winner: Jarred Wray, of City Coast Services

Jarred Wray is an innovative and passionate young leader shaping the future of trenchless technology. With 15 years of hands-on experience across diverse trenchless operations, he now manages City Coast Services, a family business specialising in non-destructive digging and pipe rehabilitation.

Jarred combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and efficiency. He actively mentors emerging professionals and fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion.

Jarred’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to minimising disruption and environmental impact make him a standout candidate for the ASTT Jeff Pace Young Person of the Year Award.

ASTT TrenchIess Woman of the Year

Winner: Dannielle James, of Pipe Pro

Drilling & James Vac Solutions

Dannielle James, owner and General Manager of two leading trenchless businesses, is a pioneering force in Australia’s civil construction sector. With over $6 million annual turnover and a workforce of 20, she is the only woman believed to own and lead two high-performing trenchless companies.

Dannielle champions equity, safety, and community, partnering with Women’s Health Grampians to promote respectful workplaces through Bystander Training. She actively creates career pathways for women, sponsors local clubs, and has earned multiple business awards, including 2019 Businesswoman of the Year.

Dannielle’s leadership, innovation, and advocacy make her a standout candidate for recognition.

ASTT Menno Henneveld Person of the Year

Winner: Stuart Harrison, of OptionX Group

Stuart Harrison has been a transformative leader in trenchless technology for nearly 30 years, pioneering innovations like the Vermeer AXIS guided boring system and its evolution, AdaptX – the only system handling all ground conditions with vacuum extraction.

As founder of Edge Underground and CEO of OptionX Group, he drives industry advancement through patented solutions like Riteline centralisers and numerous R&D projects.

Stuart’s global influence includes updating microtunnelling standards and mentoring professionals. His hands-on leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to local manufacturing have redefined trenchless capabilities, making this an incredibly well-deserved win.

Trenchless trends around the world

Trenchless experts hosted a panel session at No-Dig Down Under 2025 where they discussed international trends in the industry. In part one to this series, Trenchless Australasia takes a look at Europe and North America.

The panel consisted of IKT Managing Director Roland Waniek, UKSTT Chair Iain Naismith, Michels President of Preconstruction Services Craig Vandaelle, Sun Yat-sen University Professor Baosong Ma, and Sunstate Chair of Construction Management and Engineering Sam Ariaratnam.

Each speaker covered a particular region of the world, highlighting the trends and challenges facing the trenchless industry.

Continental Europe

While in Australia and New Zealand there is a battle between trenchless and open-trench solutions, the scene in Europe looks very different. Trenchless solution-providers no longer have to convince clients of the merits of their technology. Instead, it’s widely accepted as industry-leading. In Waniek’s words: in Germany the battle is over – trenchless has won the day.

But the country has its own challenges.

“The German Government just recently realised that we have an infrastructure problem in general. We found out that our bridges, railway system, water canals, harbours, airports, and other infrastructure needs to be reconstructed in some capacity,” he said.

“The government has decided to action this in the coming years.

“But the problem is not so much about the money – there will be money. The problem is how do you spend the money?

“You need the people to do it, the planning resources, engineering resources, and you need to adjust the old red tape.

“It’s less a technological or funding problem, and more of an administrative, bureaucratic problem, which is more difficult to overcome.”

Speaking more generally about challenges in Europe, Waniek said climate change was forcing the market to evolve.

“We have a lot of problems with heavy rain and urban flooding due to climate change,” he said.

“The sewer systems are not designed for that kind of rainfall. So what you do about it?”

Waniek praised the idea of sponge cities, an urban planning model originating in China which uses natural landscapes to catch, store and clean water, instead of purely relying on drainage infrastructure.

But the model was not suitable to many parts of Europe, considering its narrow streets and ancient features.

“One solution being utilised in Europe is to install below-ground tanks to temporarily store excess water,” Waniek said.

“Once the rainfall stops, the extra water is then pumped into the sewer system.”

However, this future-proofing solution is currently only deliverable via open-cut means.

“I put out this challenge to our industry – to

all our very good and clever engineers – find trenchless solutions for this problem, because if you don’t, then the money will go elsewhere.”

The UK

Unlike its German counterpart, the UK trenchless industry still struggles with general education of the market.

“A lot of the utilities still are being offered excavation and replacement trenches [as opposed to trenchless solutions],” Iain Naismith said.

“There are still too many people in the UK who think trenchless is a bit risky, a bit too innovative, despite the fact that we’ve been doing it for 50 years now.”

Naismith said manpower is another key issue in the UK.

“The British discovered swimming in rivers during lockdown,” he said. “The British public then discovered that there’s sewerage in the rivers.

“There was absolute outrage, and we’ve been seeing unprecedented investment in sewer systems by water utilities in the years since.”

“But the utilities often do not have the staff to manage this themselves.

“Everybody wants engineers, everybody wants contractors, and everybody is fighting for the same pot.”

And as a result of the discovery of sewerage in the rivers, the England is reshaping its water regulatory bodies.

“Their solution was to take all the regulators

– Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and the Environment Agency, and form a single, new entity in the next couple of years,” Naismith said.

“This is a huge challenge for us to see what will happen with that.”

North America

In a word, Craig Vandaelle described the trenchless market in North America as busy.

“What we’re seeing is a shift in the rehabilitation market. Rehab a very mature process in North America in the 150mm to one metre pipe size,” he said.

“What we’re seeing now is a shift to large program rehab. Instead of projects that Michels would bid being between $US1–10 million dollars, the projects coming down the road in the next 18 months are $US400–600 million in size.”

In order to keep up with this trend, rehab businesses are shifting to collaborative delivery contracting, which Vandaelle said will push the capacity of the industry.

“We’re seeing the one of the largest collaborative delivery contracts go out, and it’s been tendered for north of $US600 million. It’s for about 50km of trunk rehab of all shapes and sizes, from two meters to over three meters.

“And the owners are saying, instead of us trying to figure it out piece by piece, let’s hire the contracting team, the engineering team, and let them figure it out and apply the right trenchless solutions.”

The collaborative delivery model has also had some unexpected benefits when it comes to ancillary factors such as managing social impacts.

“Social impacts are often overlooked in a traditional bid build contract for low bid price. But with collaborative delivery it’s the complete opposite.

“Once you explain the values of not taking up an intersection and not open-cutting a train track, or whatever it is, they’ll pay for the value of social impact mitigation through collaborative delivery, but they likely won’t pay for it through traditional bid build.”

And, just like Germany and the UK, North America is battling labour challenges.

“When you look at the 20 largest metropolitan areas in North America, the trenchless spend there is between two and 10 billion in the next decade, and there just isn’t enough skilled trade,” he said.

“What we’re seeing is a recruitment shift to train operators in all the trenchless industries, and really it’s education that the NASTT is focusing on. A lot of the contracting community is now recruiting right out of high school, not college, to get kids involved and understanding what the career path can be in trenchless.”

Commentary has been abridged from the full panel discussion.

Corporate Members

Gold Corporate Members

DirectBor Australia

Herrenknecht AG

J&R Contracting Limited

Kellogg Brown & Root

Michels Trenchless Pty. Ltd.

Silver Corporate Members

A aro Group

Abergeldie Rehabilitation Pty Ltd

ACP Australian Custom Pipes

AECOM New Zealand Limited

AHD Trenchless

Applied Felts

Aqua Assets

AQUATEK Fluid Systems

Atteris Pty Ltd

Aurecon

Australian Pipeline Management Pty Ltd

Austunnel Pty Ltd

BG Risk Solutions

Blick Group

Bortec Laser Bore Pty Ltd

Boss Attachments NZ Ltd

BRP Corporation Pty Ltd

Bullseye Boring

CC Group

CDS New Zealand Ltd

Channeline International

David Moss Group

D.J. Mac Cormick Contractors

DCS Manufacturing Pty Ltd

Derby Rubber Products

Digital Control - Australia

Diversified Services Australia

Dormway Pty Ltd

Draintech Solutions

Drillers World Australia

Dunstans

E&CC

Edge Underground

ELB Equipment Pty Ltd

Empire Infrastructure

FJA Consulting Engineers

FST Technologies Pty Ltd

Fulton Hogan

Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd

Future-Proof Solutions

Asset Owners

Auckland Council

Barwon Water

Watercare Services Ltd

OptionX Group

Orion Consulting

Rangedale Rehabilitation and Renewals Pty Ltd

Systra B amser

GCE Contractors Pty Ltd

GN Solids Control

Golder

Hard Metals Australia Pty Limited

HDI Lucas

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd

Hynds Pipe Systems Ltd

IMPREG (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD

Independent Sewer

Consulting Services Pty Ltd

Insituform

Insituform Pacific Pty Ltd

Interflow Pty Ltd

JB Trenchless Pty Ltd

kwik-ZIP Spacers

Kynection

L P Pipe Civil

LKL International Pty Ltd

March Cato Ltd

Matamata Directional Drilling

Maxibor Australia Pty Limited

McBerns Innovative Solutions

McConnell Dowell

Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd

McElroy Manufacturing Inc.

McMillen Jacobs Associates (NZ)

Metrocorp Technologies

Mudex

Mullane Trenchless Pipeline Solutions Pty Ltd

NEWest Alliance

NordiTube AUS Pty Ltd

Nu Flow Technologies 2000 Pty Ltd

Pezzimenti Trenchless Pty Ltd

Pezzimenti Tunnelbore Pty Ltd.

Pipe Core Pty Ltd

Pipe Doctor Australia Pty Ltd

Pipe Technologies Ltd

Pipe Tek

Pipeline Drillers Group

Pipe Pro Drilling

Greater Western Water

Knox City Council

Tunnelling Solutions

Veolia

WSP New Zealand Ltd

Water Corporation

Witt Consulting

PipeWorks

PLUMBLOGIC

Prime Creative Media

Prime Horizontal Pty Ltd

Qalchek Pty Ltd

Qenos Pty Ltd

R & R McClure Excavations

Raedlinger Primus Line Pty Ltd

Ravago NZ Ltd

RBM Plumbing and Drainage Pty Ltd

Ready Group Pty Ltd

Rob Carr Pty Ltd

Rose Atkins Rimmer (Infrastructure) Pty Ltd

RP C Pipe Systems

SA Water

SASTTI Joint Venture

SEKISUI Rib Loc Australia Pty Ltd

Sewer Equipment Company (Aust)

Smythe Contractors Limited

STRABAG

Sydney Water

TDG Environmental (NZ)

TDM Pipeline Solutions

TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia Pty Ltd

Trenchless Advisor Pty Ltd

Tunnel Vision (WA) Pty Ltd

UEA Pty Ltd

United Tunneling Ltd

Vacvator

Vector Magnetics

Vermeer Australia

Vertical Horizonz Australia

Veolia (NZ)

Vinidex Pty Limited

WA Utilities

Warren Smith & Partners

Yarra Valley Water

Zhangzhou Anyue Advanced

Materials Technology Co. Ltd

Rottnest Island Authority

Unity Water

About the ASTT

The Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) is a non-profit organisation comprising of members throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The successful establishment of the trenchless industry in Australasia has been supported and promoted by the peak industry organisation, the ASTT, since it was founded in 1991.

The society works tirelessly to promote the use of trenchless technology in Australasia, lobbying government and client organisations to highlight the advantages of using trenchless technology and the benefits of training for industry.

Membership is open to all who are concerned with the provision of gas, water, sewerage, drainage, roads, telecommunications and electrical services.

ASTT membership provides trenchless professionals the tools and services they need to be better informed and better connected in this industry.

The ASTT is part of the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT), an affiliation of societies in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Membership applications

The ASTT currently offers seven levels of membership available to residents of Australia

and New Zealand or anyone who is also a financial member of an existing ISTTaffiliated society.

The benefits of membership depending upon category

Up to 10 people from your organisation may be included in your membership and are entitled to receive the below benefits:

• Acknowledgment of your company in every edition of the Trenchless Australasia magazine

• An annual subscription to Trenchless Australasia magazine (six issues per year)

• An annual subscription to ISTT’s Trenchless Works

• A company listing in the Australasian Trenchless Directory (print and digital)

• The opportunity to promote your membership of the association by including the ASTT logo on your business communications and website

• Access to guidelines and standards

• Discount rates (normally 10 per cent) at national conferences and exhibitions

• Discount rates (normally 10 per cent) at international conferences and exhibitions

• Discount rates (normally 10 per cent) at trenchless forums

• The opportunity to become involved in our Special Interest Groups, which are technical divisions of the ASTT representing specific trenchless sectors

• Special offers and links with international organisations, including the ISTT

• The opportunity to nominate for ASTT and ISTT awards

• Free access to ISTT past conference proceedings

• A communication network to keep abreast of the advancement of the science and practices of trenchless technology throughout the world

• Discounted rates at international NoDigs and national events, including NoDig Down Under

How to apply

Visit the ASTT website on www.astt.com.au and check out the membership benefits that apply for each category. Membership requests will be emailed to the ASTT for processing. You will receive an invoice based on the information you supply. Acceptance does not take effect until payment is received in full. For more information, visit impreg-australia.com

People on the move

Trenchless Australasia is tracking new appointments in the Australia and New Zealand trenchless industries. Read all about the latest people moves.

Craig Dixon

Acting Managing Director

Greater Western Water

Greater Western Water has announced Craig Dixon as its acting managing director.

Dixon joins GWW on executive secondment from Melbourne Water, bringing extensive leadership experience across utilities and complex stakeholder environments.

He is passionate about delivering better outcomes for customers and creating lasting, positive change in our communities.

Dixon is eager to get to know the teams and hear from the communities in the GWW catchment area, as the company continues to work together to build a strong, customer-focused organisation.

Gary Buckland

Victorian Sales Representative Vacuum Truck Supplies

Vacuum Truck Supplies has announced Gary Buckland as its new Victorian Sales Representative.

Bringing a wealth of hands-on experience across the truck and waste industry including earth moving, Buckland will look to support councils, contractors and operators across Victoria.

He will be working on matching the needs of every customer to the right equipment, offering straightforward advice to maximise uptime and profitability.

He will also be handling information requests, pricing and after-sales support working at the company’s Mansfield HQ.

Buckland is ready to help you find your next new unit, or to get the most out of the one you’ve got.

Yarra Valley Water has welcomed Tony Citera as its new Chief Financial Officer, handling the Finance and Corporate Services Group.

With more than 25 years’ experience in senior finance and commercial roles across complex, highly regulated industries, Tony brings deep expertise and a collaborative approach to his role.

He will oversee finance, procurement, legal, risk, and corporate services teams, ensuring Yarra Valley Water’s people and operations deliver on its strategy and purpose for the community.

Yarra Valley Water recently completed in important sewerage upgrade in Lilydale using trenchless technology.

If your company has recently employed a new person within your business you would like profiled in ‘People on the move’, send details of the career news alongside a high-res photo to Gerald Lynch at gerald.lynch@primecreative.com.au

REDESIGNED HERE. TO DO EVEN MORE OUT THERE.

AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST HDD WORKHORSE.

Now available in Australia: the Vermeer D24Gx40 Directional Drill. A compact, high-powered solution for precision horizontal drilling in urban and tight-access environments. With 24,000 lbs of thrust/pullback and 4,200 ft-lbs of rotational torque, the D24G delivers serious performance in a streamlined package. Designed for reliability, control, and immediate productivity, the D24G is ready to hit the ground running from day one. Get in touch with your local HDD specialists today.