Huge interest in Water Infrastructure Industry Forum
Date published: 15 November 2017
More than 125 representatives from local and interstate businesses attended Townsville City Council’s Water Security Infrastructure Industry Forum today.
The Industry Forum attracted local and interstate businesses looking to find out more information on the new oversized Haughton Pipeline project – which will be delivered by Council through a $215 million grant from the Queensland Government.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the Industry Forum provided an opportunity for local businesses to prepare for the project and understand how they could win a share of the work.
“The pipeline will be one of the biggest job-creating projects in Townsville and we want to make sure those positions are filled by locals,” Cr Hill said.
“Today was about understanding what capacity and skills we have already in the city and what needs to be done to ensure that local businesses are ready to play a major role in delivering the pipeline.”
Cr Hill said work on the pipeline had begun and would ramp up significantly over coming months.
“The next few months are going to be critical for local businesses that want to be involved with the project,” Cr Hill said.
“We want as many local firms and workers on this project as possible.
“Council will deliver this project and we will get it finished within 26 months of turning the first sod.”
Cr Hill said the new pipeline would stimulate the local manufacturing industry and provide a significant boost to the economy.
“This project will provide new opportunities for local businesses to expand their operations and re-skill their workforce,” Cr Hill said.
