Reaching another major milestone.
North Queensland’s most significant water infrastructure project reached a major milestone with Townsville City Council awarding a $51 million contract to IPLEX for the supply of pipeline for stage two of the Haughton Pipeline Project.
The pipeline project is a water security initiative to support Townsville’s Ross River Dam catchment and has been split into two construction stages.
Initially, stage one was funded by the Queensland Government, which provided $215 million to Council to carry out the initial works.
Currently, stage two of the project will cost an estimated $274 million, with the Queensland Government providing $195 million and the additional funding coming from Council.
Constructing the pipeline delivers on the recommendations made by the Townsville Water Security Taskforce’s final report to build a pipeline between the Ross River Dam and the Burdekin River near Clare. This piece of water infrastructure will enable the dam water levels to be managed to best deliver water security to the city.
Once complete, more than 60km of 1.8m diameter pipeline will help to supply raw water from the Burdekin River to the Dam during prolonged drought.
Townsville City Council anticipates the region’s population to increase from about 200,000 to more than 300,000 residents by 2050.
Mayor Jenny Hill says the pipeline was critical to ensuring water security for one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia.
“More than five years ago, Council identified the need for long-term water security to help support a growing population, and we have pushed hard to make this project a reality,” Cr Hill says.
Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook says contractors laid down more than 2,760 individual lengths of 1.8m diameter pipe during stage one of construction.
“About 200 local businesses were involved directly or indirectly in stage one, and this local capability gives us real confidence in delivering stage two of this vital water infrastructure project,” Cr Cook says.
For stage two, the pipeline will extend from the Haughton River to the Burdekin River near Clare.
Cr Hill says the next pipeline stage is a more complicated process.
“This is a four-year project for Townsville and we are on track to meeting the major milestones. The awarding of the tender for the supply of pipe is an exciting step in bringing this project closer to starting.
“Townsville is situated in the dry tropics, and our region is one of the driest in Queensland. Our rainfall is unpredictable and sometimes falls outside of dam catchment areas.
“This pipeline will give the city the assurances it needs to continue growing for decades to come.”
“It will give confidence to businesses looking to invest in Townsville that there is a reliable water supply.
“This will help businesses grow and employ more people, and give residents the assurances to continue building their lives in Townsville.”
Construction of the Haughton Pipeline Project stage two is set to start in mid-2023, with a planned completion date of December 2024.
Proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.
