First pipes installed on Townsville’s water pipeline project

The first pipes for Townsville’s new water pipeline have been installed.

Local firm NQ Excavations has started installing the 1.8-metre diameter pipe on one section of the pipeline alignment.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the installation of the first pipes was a huge milestone for the pipeline project.

“The first pipes for the pipeline are being carefully installed by local workers near the back of Ross Dam,” Cr Hill said.

“This is a really important milestone for the project and we are on track to have it finished by the end of this year.

“The pipeline is Council’s top infrastructure priority to help guarantee our city’s long term water supply.”

Cr Hill said Council deliberately structured the work packages on the pipeline to ensure local firms had the best chance to win work on the project.

“NQ Excavations is a proudly local firm and it’s fantastic their crews are installing the first pipes for the city’s new water pipeline,” Cr Hill said.

“This project will provide long-term water security for our city and nurture our economic recovery.

“The remaining work packages on the pipeline are expected to be announced soon, which will provide another big boost to our economy.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart reinforced the importance of the pipeline to the local community – providing employment opportunities and water security into the future.

"The Palaszczuk Government listens to Queenslanders and takes action," Mr Stewart said.

“Installing the first of pipes of this 36.5km pipeline signals a major milestone not only for the project itself but for the Townsville community too.

"It will be fantastic to see construction continue to ramp up – ensuring water security into the future and employment opportunities for locals is the reason the Palaszczuk Government committed $225 million to the pipeline project and the Council's Water Smart Package."

Cr Hill said the pipeline was a key plank of Council’s 3-point water security solution.

“We know that praying for rain isn’t a strategy for long-term water security so that’s why Council has developed our 3-point water security solution,” Cr Hill said.

Council’s 3-point water security solution includes:

• The new 1.8-metre diameter pipeline
• A recycled water re-use system for public greenspaces and industrial use
• The Water Smart Package

The Queensland Government has invested $225 million to improve water security in Townsville.