Major utilities project to stimulate development and jobs
Date published: 27 January 2016
One of the biggest utilities upgrades in Townsville’s CBD will inject more than $55 million into the local economy to boost jobs and investment in the city.
Townsville City Council today announced BMD Constructions as preferred contractor to manage the construction of the CBD Utilities Upgrade.
Council also adopted a budget of $55.3 million over four years for the project which will upgrade water storage and install over 20km of water and sewerage pipework in the CBD, replacing some mains up to 60 years old, to support the revitalisation of the inner-city.
The rolling program of works will have a strong focus on maximising opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors and is expected to create more than 100 jobs.
Mayor Cr Jenny Hill said the Upgrade was vital for new development and jobs, and achieving the target of 30,000 people living and working in the CBD by 2030.
“The CBD Utilities Upgrade is a defining infrastructure project for the city that will ensure we have the building blocks in place to better support the exciting Waterfront PDA proposal and other new development in the inner-city,” Cr Hill said.
“Importantly, this major infrastructure project will be also provide a stimulus for the local economy during the four-year construction period by providing work for local sub-contractors and workers.”
Water and Waste Committee chairman Cr Ray Gartrell said sections of underground utilities in the inner-city were among the oldest in Townsville and lacked the capacity to support the city’s growth.
“The project involves considerable excavations and replacement of old pipework and mains over a large area in variable ground conditions. Following the tendering process the council is now in a position to finalise the scope, timetable and budget to ensure we get the most cost effective outcome,” Cr Gartrell said.
“The project will be carried out over a longer period to spread the cost and minimise the impacts on future budgets.”
Work has already commenced on earthworks associated with the construction of a 32 mega litre reservoir in West End and minor upgrades in the Stanley St/Sturt St area.
The broader upgrade of utilities is scheduled to begin rolling out in the CBD later this year.
A series of community information sessions for residents and businesses located within the project area have already been conducted. More are planned for this year with regular updates on Council’s website and notifications in letterbox drops.
Some footpath and stormwater infrastructure will also be renewed in conjunction with the works to reduce the requirement for future construction impacts in the CBD.
The project will involve excavations throughout the project area and council will be liaising closely with the community to minimise impacts.
