29-07-2025
Bowhill Engineering celebrates $32 million River Torrens to Darlington Project contract win
In the tiny town of Bowhill in South Australia's Murraylands, a $32-million contract is providing a local engineering firm with its biggest opportunity yet.
Bowhill Engineering will fabricate the steel tunnel segments for the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project's exit tunnels.
The T2D Project is the final stage of the South Australian government's North-South Corridor, a 78-kilometre motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.
But while Bowhill Engineering is preparing for big growth, residents are not optimistic the town of Bowhill will grow with it.
Bowhill Engineering, a family-run business, has been in the region since the 1970s.
It transitioned from Bowhill Motors to Bowhill Engineering in the mid-1990s, and is now the town's main employer.
The company is no stranger to big projects, having worked on SA's $354 million Regency Road to Pym Street project, but this contract will require an increase in its operational capacity.
The project will push the company to fabricate more than double its average amount of steel per year, with 6,600 tonnes needed for the project.
First deliveries are set for March 2026, with work to continue until October 2027.
To manage the increase in workload, Bowhill Engineering has ordered more than $6 million worth of new equipment.
A computer numerical control machine for precise cutting and three robotic welding systems will soon arrive at a newly built fabrication hall.
"It's the biggest contract that we've won by a golden mile," chief executive Jodie Hawkes said.
Bowhill Engineering expects the contract win to create 10-15 new positions, and the company is recruiting.
But accommodation options for newcomers are limited, according to the local progress association and the council.
Bowhill is a popular riverside destination for holiday-makers and tourists, and has experienced major house-price growth over the past five years.
But the qualities that make it an attractive place for tourists have created complications for residents looking for growth.
Bowhill Progress Association member Shane Mcgrath said the area had become too expensive for families, with holiday shacks becoming million-dollar properties.
"Great for holiday makers, but not so good for having people here for helping out in the CFS or local progress [association], or even our sporting club."
On top of high property prices, the local council said little land was available for new families to build on.
Bowhill relies on bigger neighbouring towns for major services such as Mannum and Murray Bridge, where many of Bowhill Engineering's employees live and commute 30-45 minutes to work.
Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey said it was unlikely Bowhill would see much development in the future, and the council was looking to nearby towns for future growth in the region instead.
"It is quite a primary production area, apart from the holiday homes or the shacks," Ms Bailey said.
"It's so close to many other areas that we can all work together for growth."
However, Mr Mcgrath said due to a lack of local services, Bowhill would struggle to be maintained without further investment.
"A lot of people that live here for all their life, they get to a stage where they have to move out."
The nearby towns of Mannum and Murray Bridge are set for an economic boost, as new workers look for places to live nearby.
Ms Hawkes believes what is good for the region is good for Bowhill.
"The growth that Murray Bridge is looking to have, and being part of the greater Adelaide regional plan, that is a huge bonus for Bowhill," she said.
"[It] makes regional living more attractive if you've got the services in your regional centre.
"I only see it as a win-win."
