Pipes have started going into the ground as construction has started on Stage 2 of Townsville’s largest water infrastructure project.
More than 28km of pipeline is being installed as part of the Haughton Pipeline Project Stage 2 to help bolster Townsville’s water security.
The pipeline project has been identified as one of Townsville’s most significant infrastructure projects in decades. It is a critical component of the city’s water security strategy as the region grows.
City of Townsville Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said Townsville was one of the fastest-growing regions in northern Australia. Water security was vital if the region was to take advantage of future job and growth opportunities.
“The need for long-term water security for our city is well understood and supported. We have pushed hard to make this project a reality,” Cr Rehbein said. “Council identified the need more than 10 years ago. They advocated to the state government to see a pipeline built from the Burdekin River to the Ross River Dam. The Council secured $215 million in funding from the Queensland Government for Stage 1 of the project in 2017. We installed more than 36km of 1.8m-diameter pipeline from the Haughton River to Ross River Dam. The Council advocated for additional funding for Stage 2 to connect and extend the existing pipeline from the Burdekin River to the Haughton River. I am pleased to see work has started on this game-changing infrastructure for our city. Projects like these help to future-proof our city as our population grows and create hundreds of jobs during construction.”
Support from the across government
Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the Queensland Government would always support promising 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. This project is delivering jobs for the region now. It 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 will ensure this region can continue to support population growth and economic development well into the future,” said Butcher.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Queensland Government continued to back Townsville now and into the future with investments in major projects like the Haughton Pipeline.
“Water security is key to enabling Townsville to grow into the future. It is why we have been proud to back this project the whole way through.”
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said investing in water security created direct jobs not only during construction but also through new industries.
“Townsville is a growing city because of its great lifestyle. We are seeing more opportunities in industries like hydrogen, why water security is so important.”
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said it was great to see work start on stage two of the Haughton Pipeline.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that continues to step up and back the people of Townsville when it comes to important infrastructure like the Haughton Pipeline. It is also creating good direct jobs during construction.”
Council looking forward
Water and Resource Recovery Committee chairperson Russ Coothat K said that once built, they could transfer at least 273 megalitres of water per day.
“The pipeline also has capacity for future growth to 364 megalitres per day. It will ensure the city’s water needs are met well into the future,” Cr Cook said.
“Projects as region-changing as this take time. The 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 the Haughton Pipeline Project.
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