Council endorses process to acquire easement along pipeline alignment
Date published: 1 May 2019
Townsville City Council has endorsed the compulsory acquisition of an easement through a property along the alignment for the new water pipeline.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said Council remained willing to accept a mutually agreed settlement with the landholder.
“The new water pipeline remains one of Council’s top infrastructure priorities and it is critical to ensure our city has future water security,” Cr Cook said.
“More than 400 workers have been inducted on site. The pipeline will support up to 1000 local jobs over the life of the project.
“Council has secured agreements with the majority of landholders along the pipeline alignment to install the pipeline in easements on their land.
“Council has only considered proceeding with this compulsory acquisition of the easement as a last resort.”
Cr Cook said Council was committed to completing the project by March next year.
“The pipeline is a key plank in Council’s 3-point water security solution and it is one of the biggest job-creating projects being delivered in North Queensland,” Cr Cook said.
Cr Cook said Council’s endorsement of the compulsory acquisition process only impacts one landholder at this stage.
“Council is still hoping to reach a negotiated settlement with the landholder,” Cr Cook said.
Council’s 3-point water security solution includes:
- The new 1.8-metre diameter pipeline
- A recycled water reuse scheme for public open spaces and industrial use
- Water Smart Package
