Saunders Builds National Water Momentum With Four New Arrangements

Four-State Water Expansion

Saunders International Limited (ASX:SND) has widened its national water footprint with four multi-year arrangements spanning New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Together, the appointments and framework extension provide access to approximately $2 billion in forecast capital works programs over the next five years, according to the company.

The announcement gives Saunders a broader platform in a sector it has identified as a strategic growth market. It also builds on the integration of Saunders Aqua Metro, which the company says has helped establish the specialist expertise and client relationships needed to expand beyond its existing markets.

Council Panels Add Regional Reach

In New South Wales, Saunders has been appointed to MidCoast Council’s Water and Sewer General Works Delivery Panel for an initial four years, with two optional one-year extensions. The panel covers both design and construction and construct-only services, while MidCoast Council has allocated $94 million to water and sewer infrastructure in its FY2027 budget.

Queensland adds another regional foothold. Saunders has joined Cairns Regional Council’s Infrastructure Works supplier panel for an initial five years, with an option for a further five years. The appointment covers minor and major water, wastewater and civil infrastructure works, against a council FY2027 capital infrastructure budget of $206 million.

Water Corporation Prequalification Reaches Western Australia

Western Australia provides the largest specifically identified near-term pipeline. Saunders has achieved prequalification with Water Corporation to participate in capital works programs through to 2029, creating access to a capital works pipeline valued at more than $500 million over the next 12 months.

In Victoria, Greater Western Water has extended Saunders’ existing capital works framework agreement for two years. The agreement has been in place since 2022, but individual project awards remain necessary before the framework translates into contracted work.

Pipeline Access Is Not Secured Revenue

The distinction matters. Saunders says there is no guaranteed volume of work under any of the arrangements, and expects opportunities arising from them to contribute to revenue and earnings from FY2027. The $2 billion figure represents forecast capital works programs accessible through the appointments and prequalification, not revenue secured by Saunders.

That leaves project conversion as the next test. The market will have to assess how quickly the new panels generate awards, whether the Water Corporation prequalification produces meaningful order intake, and how much of the Greater Western Water framework becomes live work. Until then, the headline is one of improved access and operating optionality rather than a booked contract value.