Townsville Palmetum receiving major irrigation system upgrade
Date published: 3 August 2021
Townsville’s premier botanic garden is receiving an almost $2.1 million enhancement to the irrigation network system.
The Palmetum irrigation project has been funded by the Queensland Government as part of a $2.7 million allocation through the Works for Queensland program for several irrigation upgrades.
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said the irrigation project would renew Palmetum’s network system and ensure it remains a Townsville favourite for decades to come.
“Palmetum is a beautiful space and is home to some incredibly rare and unique plant species that our staff work meticulously to care for so ensuring the irrigation is up to standard is crucial for maintenance of the garden,” Cr Rehbein said.
“Some of the current system is over 20 years old and it is time to upgrade the irrigation with more than 3,700 metres of new piping to be installed throughout the 17 hectare park.
“It will also include the installation of new infrastructure that will allow automatic flow control monitoring that will reduce the costs of operating the system and ensure that we are using water throughout the garden in the most efficient way possible.”
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the Palmetum irrigation upgrade would deliver jobs for locals.
“This is great news for Townsville’s economic recovery, with 17 local jobs up for grabs thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in Townsville,” Mr Walker said.
“Works for Queensland is delivering upgraded and new council infrastructure across Townsville, with Palmetum to benefit with upgraded irrigation to save water and keep the space beautiful for residents to enjoy.
“Queensland’s economic recovery plan is underway, and Townsville is benefiting with more jobs and more local infrastructure.”
Cr Rehbein said the installation would occur by under-boring throughout the garden to reduce the impact on the plants.
“Aquaflow is completing this project on Council’s behalf and will roll the irrigation out by under-boring sections at a time to minimise any impact on the operation of the park.
“This project will support up to 17 jobs and is expected to be completed in early September.”
