At 4pm on 23 April 2009, the Northern Pipeline Interconnector (NPI) - Stage 1 and its operational assets were formally handed over to LinkWater Projects to become part of the South East Queensland Water Grid. 

LinkWater Projects will remain asset owner for an interim period, with LinkWater operating and maintaining the pipeline until the asset is eventually transferred under a legal agreement to LinkWater.  

Final reinstatement will continue to be the responsibility of the Southern Regional Water Pipeline Alliance, under management from LinkWater Projects, with an expected completion by the end of June 2009 (weather permitting).  

This is the third pipeline designed and constructed by LinkWater Projects and its alliance partners to join the SEQ Water Grid on time with its requirements for its regulated date and on budget.  

The $300 million 47km pipeline is currently moving up to 65 ML/d of water between Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regional councils. Its completion marks more than 1.1 million man hours to date, 132 workers at peak and 3,300 total stakeholders involved in the project.  

From handover, LinkWater will be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of NPI - Stage 1 (excluding areas which fall into the defect rectification period).  

The SRWP Alliance has a defects management crew on standby for a 12-month period following handover. The crew will be repairing minor existing defects and will be on hand to correct any faults that may occur to the pipeline and supporting infrastructure during this period. 

Typical examples of construction defects requiring SRWPA attention may include rectification of easements, roads and concrete footpaths, reinstatement of farm fencing and gates, watering of plants and turf, water leakage or operational information system (SCADA) adjustments, if required.