The $60 million Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Duplication project is now complete.
The almost 10km pipeline is a key piece of infrastructure for the region, and supplies approximately 85 per cent of Townsville’s water.
The Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Duplication project was jointly funded by the Miles Labor Government and Townsville City Council.
The existing pipeline ran adjacent to Riverway Drive and crossed Ross River just prior to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant. It experienced an unexpected failure in December 2020 resulting in a temporary disruption to water supply for the city.
The old water pipeline would have also been impacted by the Riverway Drive Stage Two project, which has now begun.
The upgrade cut-in to the existing infrastructure at both the dam and Council’s water treatment plant.
The Queensland Government supported the project with $33 million through the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said that this upgrade builds on the Queensland Government’s investment in critical water projects for north Queensland; such as the $540 million allocation towards raising and improving Burdekin Falls Dam and funding both stages of the Haughton Pipeline.
Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said,“The original pipeline ran adjacent to Riverway Drive and crossed Ross River just prior to the treatment plant, the Queensland Government’s funding meant the new pipeline would not inhibit the duplication works of Riverway Drive in the years to come.
“I’m proud to be delivering a key infrastructure project for Townsville, which will increase water security and created jobs during construction.
“This project, along with stages one and two of Riverway Drive, are a major economic catalyst for the Upper Ross region as it continues to grow.
Townsville City Council Deputy Mayor, Paul Jacob, said, “With around 85 per cent of Townsville’s water supply delivered by the new 1.29m-diameter steel pipeline between the dam and the treatment plant, the pipeline was a strong investment in Council’s core services.
“Council is proud to provide excellent service delivery when it comes to ensuring residents get what they expect from a local government, and we will continue to invest in our core services to ensure Townsville is a community-centric city for years to come.”
Featured image: Minister Butcher, Aaron Harper MP and Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob. Image: Townsville City Council.
