50 jobs created after Council awards pipeline Civil Works package to local firm Mendi
Date published: 16 July 2018
Townsville City Council has awarded the first stage of Civil Works on the new water pipeline project to local firm Mendi – creating up to 50 direct and indirect jobs.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the work was crucial to ensure the 36.5km of pipeline could start to be installed in coming months.
“This package of work includes site preparation along the pipeline route, ensuring access to the work areas and removing vegetation,” Cr Hill said.
“This is another important milestone on the project and it will create 50 direct and indirect jobs, with work expected to start within weeks.”
Cr Hill said Council had allocated $159 million to build the pipeline in the 2018-19 Budget.
“Council delivered its biggest ever infrastructure spend in the Budget – more than $430 million – to invest in these major projects to create jobs for locals,” Cr Hill said.
“The pipeline is Council’s top priority infrastructure project and we’re committed to creating as many local jobs as possible.
“We have structured the work packages to ensure local firms – such as Mendi – have the best opportunity to secure work on the pipeline project.”
Cr Hill said locals could expect more jobs to flow from the pipeline project as the construction work packages are announced shortly.
“The pipeline will be one of the biggest job-creating projects in North Queensland and we are making sure locals get the best chance to get work on the project,” Cr Hill said.
Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the new pipeline was crucial to ensure long-term water security for our city.
“Townsville has been through a once-in-a-generation drought and the pipeline is a key plank of Council’s 3-point water security solution for our community,” Cr Walker said.
“Despite receiving decent rainfall over the last wet season, our community knows that praying for rain isn’t a strategy for water security.
“The pipeline is Council’s top infrastructure priority and we are totally committed to building it by the end of 2019.”
Council’s 3-point $225 million water security solution includes:
- The new 1.8-metre diameter pipeline
- A recycled water system for community spaces and industrial use
- The Community Water Transition Support Package
