Construction of Stage 2 of Townsville’s largest water infrastructure project – the Haughton Pipeline is underway, with pipes going in ground as part of the 28km of pipeline to be installed in the second stage of the works to help bolster the city’s water security into the future.
Townsville City Council Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein says with Townsville as one of the fastest growing regions in northern Australia, water security is vital if the region is to take advantage of future job and growth opportunities.
“The need for long-term water security for our city is well understood and supported, and we have pushed hard to make this project a reality,” Cr Rehbein says.
“Council identified the need more than 10 years ago and advocated to the state government to see a pipeline built from the Burdekin River to the Ross River Dam.”
Mayor Jenny Hill says while pushing for the project, Council was able to secure $215 million
in funding from the Queensland Government for Stage 1 of the project in 2017 and install more than 36km of 1.8m-diameter pipeline from the Haughton River to Ross River Dam.
“Council advocated for additional funding for Stage 2 to connect and extend the existing pipeline from the Burdekin River to Haughton River,” Cr Hill says.
“Projects like these help to future- proof our city as our population grows and creates hundreds of jobs during construction.”
Water Minister Glenn Butcher says the Palaszczuk Government would always support good projects that deliver long-term water security for Queensland communities.
“We know how important this project is to deliver long-term water security to Townsville. That’s why we invested $215 million into Stage 1, which is now complete, and a further $195 million into Stage 2,” Mr Butcher says.
“This project is delivering jobs for the region now and will support the long-term economic prosperity and water security of the region for years to come.
“It’s great to see work ploughing ahead on Stage 2. Projects like this, and the raising of Burdekin Falls Dam will ensure this region can continue to support population growth and economic development well into the future.”
Water and Resource Recovery Committee chairperson Russ Cook says once built, the pipeline will
be able to transfer at least 273 megalitres of water per day.
“The pipeline also has capacity for future growth to 364 megalitres per day to ensure the city’s water needs are met well into the future,” Cr Cook says.
“Region-changing projects like these take time, and Council is glad to see shovels in the ground and work starting on this vital piece of infrastructure.
“Construction of the project is currently scheduled to finish in 2025.”
The Haughton Pipeline Project Stage 2 was developed with the support of the Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.
For more information, visit townsville.qld.gov.au and search Haughton Pipeline Project.
Main Image: Councillor Kurt Rehbein (left) and Councillor Russ Cook inspecting Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline Project
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