Works on Townsville’s Haughton Pipeline Duplication project is progressing with the tender for the pipe to be awarded late in March 2018.
Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill, said work on the 36km water pipeline has already started and it is on track to be complete by the end of 2019.
“Manufacturing the pipe is a huge part of the project and Council isn’t wasting any time with the tender process.
“Council is structuring the tenders to give local businesses the best chance of winning work on the pipeline and we’re hopeful local firms can partner with big industry players to manufacture the pipe locally.
“This pipeline is a major job-creator and we will see it more as the project ramps up in coming months.”
Minister for Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the project will be a huge job creator for Townsville and will help revitalise the city’s manufacturing industries.
“It will also be great to see the Community Water Transition Support Package council is developing to assist the Townsville community to adopt water efficient practices and devices.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said local employers meant local jobs.
“The vast majority of people employed on this project will come from the local area,” Mr Stewart said.
Minister for Communities and Member for Mundingburra, Coralee O’Rourke, said increasing water supply was very important for residents and vital in supporting the sustainability of local businesses.
“Residents and businesses want water security and the knowledge that their community can grow and prosper without threat of running dry,” Ms O’Rourke said.
“That’s why we want to see this project up and running as quickly as possible.”
Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said the Queensland Government supported what he said was a very important piece of infrastructure.
“Last year, we pledged $225 million over four years to provide water supply security for Townsville,” Mr Harper said.
“This includes $215 million to duplicate the existing Haughton pipeline from the Haughton Channel to the Ross River Dam.”
