Water Dynamics partnerships welcome a greener and stylishly sustainable historic main entrance to Darwin

The Stuart Highway entrance to Darwin is the dynamic northern terminus of this 2,720 km highway that is one of Australia’s longest, most varied and most historic.

It passes from Port Augusta on the striking coastline of the Spencer Gulf, through the rugged Flinders Ranges and up through the underground dwellings of Coober Pedy. Moving on through the arid desert surrounding Alice Springs, it runs to the northern edge of the Red Centre at Tennant Creek, then tropical Katherine before arriving in Darwin, typically a total of 28 hours driving time.

This historic highway’s modern incarnation as a sealed highway began when it was used as a World War Two supply route, being finally completed with a SA–Northern Territory initiative in 1987. Before the 1940s, the journey used to pass over a rough, often impassable dirt track known as “The Track,” primarily established for the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1870s, with the route following John McDouglas Stuart’s exploratory path, which itself utilised ancient Aboriginal pathways for trade and travel.

“Now this busy gateway highway in Darwin is either the beginning of an epic adventure going south, or the welcoming entrance to a sophisticated and dynamic city that attracted nearly 900,000 visitors last year,” says irrigation specialist Water Dynamics’ Darwin Business Manager, Bianca Dawson.

Water Dynamics has been involved in major irrigation projects initiated by the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Logistics and Infrastructure to enhance the functionality and sustainability of busy major sections of the Stuart Highway as it enters the city.

The Territory Government has been undertaking upgrades to improve traffic flow and safety along major traffic arteries.

“Good irrigation, planting, landscaping and preservation of mature trees to maximise cooling and visual appeal were particularly important in our projects to enhance sustainability in the wet-dry tropical climate of Darwin,” says Bianca, who highlights three recent projects of Water Dynamics to enhance the city’s main traffic artery while maintaining functionality and safety during work on this busy road.

Woolner Road

The latest project – focused on the Woolner Road and Salonika St intersections of the Stuart Highway – required a flexible and co-operative partnership among partners and contractors, as a new irrigation was installed, while also preserving existing irrigation infrastructure.

The project, completed in 2025, was undertaken without disturbing rail tracks at Salonika St Intersection, while also safeguarding root systems of mature trees during pipework placement, and ensuring safe access for high pedestrian flows in the area, including school traffic and mobility-impaired users.

Charles St to Parap Road

A second comprehensive Stuart Highway project undertaken for the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) involved the supply and installation of a comprehensive irrigation system and expanses of turfing of four central medians between Charles St to Parap Road.

This project included providing mainline irrigation infrastructure, integrating pop-up sprinklers for precise watering with solar panels for renewable energy operation, as well as telemetry control boxes to ensure efficient water distribution and management for optimal landscaping.

“In addition to the irrigation system, the project encompassed laying turf across the designated medians. This phase required the engagement of local landscapers and turf specialists to seamlessly integrate greenery, enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability, thus contributing to the overall beautification and functionality of Stuart Highway,” said Bianca Dawson.

The project’s successful execution also hinged on collaborative efforts from a range of stakeholders. Spearheaded by the Water Dynamics service and project managed by DLI, the venture saw close collaboration among a dedicated irrigation technician team and skilled local subcontractors.

Key local partners, such as JSM Civils, North Landscapes, Austar Underground Services, Core Traffic Control, and several suppliers, played pivotal roles by delivering specialised services and materials crucial for the project’s completion.

“The project exceeded its scheduled milestones, whilst remaining within the allocated budget. Notably, the endeavour encountered no adverse complications or deviations, reflecting efficient planning, execution, and project management practices by the partners involved,” said Bianca.

Vanderlin Drive project

Vanderlin Drive is a major arterial link in Darwin, connecting key areas, including the Stuart Highway, McMillans Road, and Lee Point Road, providing access to Darwin’s northern suburbs, the airport, hospital, and East Arm Port.

Water Dynamics, responding to the requirements of DLI, installed and commissioned a comprehensive irrigation system, as well as pump, shedding and tank infrastructure on Vanderlin Drive verge and medians between Patterson Street and Lee Point Road, Wulagi, NT.

“The fully automated irrigation system is designed to enhance landscape maintenance along key sections of Vanderlin Drive. Again, the project required the coordination of diverse works to meet DLI’s specifications and ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure.”

Two compounds containing storage tanks and pumps were supplied and installed, along with two certified sheds designed to house the pump and control infrastructure. The project also involved securing power and water connections through close collaboration with Power Water Corporation and commissioning irrigation controllers with DLI’s telemetry contractor.

“The works included the full installation of irrigation systems along the inbound verge and medians, the installation of storage tanks, pumps, and associated control infrastructure, and the erection of certified sheds to house control and pumping systems.

Liaison with Power Water Corporation was key for power and water connection upgrades, while telemetry-controlled irrigation systems were installed and commissioned to meet operational needs.

“Again, key subcontractors contributed to the project’s successful delivery. JSM Civils conducted the directional drilling necessary for the system’s infrastructure. Espec handled all electrical works, ensuring the connection of critical systems. Mobcon was responsible for the installation of the sheds and compound fencing, providing a secure environment for the equipment. Traffic Works provided traffic control throughout the project to ensure safety and minimize disruption to the public. Water Dynamics’ own irrigation crews performed the full installation of the irrigation system.

“Coordination with utilities was a significant achievement, requiring collaboration with Power Water Corporation to secure timely connections and upgrades for both power and water. Proactive management and open communication with contractors allowed us to address potential delays effectively.

Additionally, integrating the telemetry systems required close collaboration with DLI’s contractor, ensuring the efficient operation of remote-controlled irrigation systems.

“Thanks to strong partnerships and leadership, the project was successfully completed, delivering a fully functional irrigation system that supports landscape maintenance along Vanderlin Drive now and into the future.”