Stage 1 of Haughton pipeline project complete

Construction of stage 1 of the Haughton pipeline is complete.

“Some 2763 individual lengths of 1.8 metre diameter pipe spanning 33 kilometres have been laid between the Haughton pump station and Ross River Dam,” Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said today.

“It’s been a fantastic effort by the more than 1,000 workers who have logged more than 500,000 work hours building the pipeline and I congratulate and thank them for their efforts.”

The Mayor said the project had been a boon for local businesses.

“We wanted as many local businesses as possible to work on delivering the pipeline,” she said.

“There have been around 200 businesses that have been involved in construction of the water pipeline either directly or indirectly, which is fantastic for our local economy.”

“What we’ve seen through this process is that our local businesses have the capability to work on major projects like this as long as they are given the chance."

Townsville City Council Water and Waste Committee Chair, Cr Russ Cook, said work was now underway to prepare for stage 2 of the project, which would see the pipeline extended to Clare allowing water to be pumped directly from the Burdekin River.

“The Commonwealth Government has given a commitment to fund stage two, with negotiations continuing between the Commonwealth and State on the funding package,” Cr Cook said.

“We hope these negotiations can be wrapped up as soon as possible so construction could start.

“Once again, Council will be encouraging local businesses to tender for the work so the community can share in the economic benefits of the project, as well as the water security benefits.”