Pipeline funding commitments welcomed

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed today’s reports the Federal Government and Opposition have committed to fully fund Stage 2 of the new water pipeline.

“I welcome both the Prime Minister’s and Opposition Leader’s commitments to fund Stage 2 of the pipeline,” Cr Hill said.

“I’ll back any proposal that will ensure the recommendations in the independent Townsville Water Security Taskforce’s Final Report are delivered for our community.

“However, it’s important to point out that only the Opposition’s commitment to fund Stage 2 has no strings attached and will guarantee the $55 million in savings by doing both stages simultaneously.

“There is a very small window to ensure the $55 million in savings – as outlined by the Taskforce’s Final Report – because Council will need to complete engineering and purchasing equipment for Stage 2 in the right sequence.

“I’m looking forward to receiving a briefing on the Federal Government’s funding commitment with Taskforce Chair Brad Webb during the Prime Minister’s visit to Townsville this week.”