Pipeline project reaches next key milestone
Date published: 21 August 2018
Another key milestone on the new State Government-funded pipeline project has been reached, with Townsville City Council awarding the contract for tunnelling and under boring services to DJ MacCormick.
DJ MacCormick will partner with local firm Humes to complete the specialised work on the pipeline project.
The works include tunnel boring to install the new 1.8m diameter pipeline under a section of the Flinders Highway and the Townsville to Mount Isa rail line.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the specialist work was crucial to the pipeline project.
“This is very technical work and it must be done in a way to ensure there is no disturbance to the Flinders Highway or the rail line,” Cr Hill said.
“Although a very small section of the pipeline will go underneath the highway and the rail line, it will require a lot of skill and technical expertise to do the job without causing any inconvenience to motorists or freight.”
The Palaszczuk Government is investing $225 million over four years to help deliver water security to Townsville.
This money will be directed towards the pipeline and community education efforts, with measures in place to ensure contracts for local businesses are maximised.
“With almost 60 per cent of the state drought-declared, long-term water security is of paramount importance to the Townsville community,” Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said.
“This project will create hundreds of jobs and business opportunities for locals – delivering a real shot in the arm to our economy,” Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said.
“Our government is working hard to service and support North Queensland by building the vital infrastructure needed to sustain a growing population,” Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said.
Cr Hill said Council was committed to delivering the new pipeline by the end of next year.
“This is Council’s top infrastructure priority and it will be completed by December 2019,” Cr Hill said.
Cr Hill said the pipeline project is one of the biggest job creating projects in North Queensland.
“Council has made sure the work packages on the pipeline are broken up to ensure local businesses have the best possible opportunity to win work on the project,” Cr Hill said.
“This is a huge project and everyone from excavator operators to engineers has a chance to be part of it.
“The pipeline is a key plank of Council’s record infrastructure spend of $433 million in the Budget.”
