Innovation at forefront of Yarra Valley Water’s new engineering partnerships – Utility Magazine

Yarra Valley Water has announced it has entered two strategic, long-term partnerships, aimed to produce greater innovation, efficiency and value for its customers, communities and environment. 

Yarra Valley Water entered the Engineering Services Partnerships to Jacobs, and the Beca/Stantec joint venture Ripple.

The industry-leading engineering innovation of the Jacobs, Beca and Stantec groups with Melbourne’s largest water corporation will have long-term benefits to the ecosystem and the customers. 

Yarra Valley Water Growth Futures General Manager, Chris Brace, said the agreements would commence with an initial five year term but had the capacity to be extended to up to a decade.

“We’re delighted to welcome Ripple (Beca/Stantec JV) to their new role at Yarra Valley Water and extend an ongoing welcome to the Jacobs team.

“These agreements reflect our commitment to fostering deep relationships with our partners for the long-term benefit of our capital delivery ecosystem and ultimately our customers,” Mr Brace said. 

Jacobs and Ripple will support Yarra Valley Water as it investigates, develops, and delivers its capital program across water, sewer, treatment and non-drinking water services.

Mr Brace said the increased expertise generated by dual partnerships would ensure the smooth delivery of Yarra Valley Water’s significant upcoming capital works commitments.

“Our capital program is shaping up to be bigger than ever and having two engineering services partners bringing their expertise and unique perspectives will be highly valued.

“Their work will focus on the production of functional and detailed designs, but will also include elements of planning, permitting, construction advice, tendering, and asset management support,” Mr Brace said. 

Jacobs People and Places Solutions Senior Vice President and General Manager, Keith Lawson, also welcomed the partnership.

“This appointment provides an excellent opportunity for Jacobs to continue our successful long-term partnership with Yarra Valley Water.

“We look forward to working closely with Yarra Valley Water and our services partner to deliver a capital works programme that achieves Yarra Valley Water’s vision. This will be enabled by leveraging our world-leading end-to-end water infrastructure capabilities and strategic advisory solutions to deliver an enduring positive legacy on the community and environment,” Mr Lawson said. 

Stantec’s Water Group Leader for Victoria and South Australia, Jane La Nauze, said they were incredibly excited to enter into this new partnership and help Yarra Valley Water to deliver their related capital program.

“By viewing water as an integrated system, we’re ready to accelerate Yarra Valley Water’s path to a more sustainable, reliable and affordable water future,” Ms La Nauze said.