Haughton Pipeline Project Stage 2 reaches another milestone
Date published: 1 May 2023
Townsville is a step closer to water security following the award of construction tenders for Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline Project.
After comprehensive tender processes, contracts have been awarded to BMD Constructions and DJ Mac Cormick, two businesses that have a proven track record of delivering major projects.
BMD Constructions and DJ Mac Cormick Contractors worked on the construction of Stage 1 of the Haughton Pipeline Project in 2018-19 and bring extensive knowledge and experience to the second stage of pipeline installation works.
Stage 1 of the Project, completed in June 2020, saw approximately 36km of the pipeline constructed between the Haughton River and the Ross River Dam. Stage 2 will add approximately 28km of pipeline extending to the Burdekin River.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the Haughton Pipeline Project was arguably the most significant regional infrastructure project in decades and a major part of the city’s water security strategy.
“The Haughton Pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure that will help deliver a reliable water supply for both industry and residential growth for the Townsville region for decades to come.
“The need for long-term water security for our city is well understood and supported, and we have pushed hard to make this project a reality.
“The awarding of construction tenders to BMD Constructions and DJ Mac Cormick Contractors is an excellent outcome for Townsville, as both bring valuable experience from the Stage 1 works to complete the project.
“With these contract awards, we are a step closer to delivering the integrated water strategy including long-term water security we know our community expects.”
The Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 is proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Queensland Government has invested $195 million in the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 Project because it helps provide water security for the city as it continues to grow.
“The $195 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government in the project recognises Townsville’s importance as a growing hub for industry and defence, providing more jobs and attracting more people,” Mr Stewart said.
“Townsville is also a city that prides itself on its liveability, and a secure water supply that serves future needs is essential as the city grows.”
BMD Constructions General Manager Northern Region, Gerard Keynes, said BMD’s experience across significant infrastructure projects and within the water sector means it is well placed to deliver the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2.
“The awarding of this contract demonstrates our long and collaborative relationship with Townsville City Council and its confidence in BMD’s capability, particularly after our successful delivery on Stage 1.
“BMD’s involvement in some truly nation building projects and in vital infrastructure for growing communities has assisted in catapulting us from a small Queensland family business to become Australia’s largest privately owned civil contractor.
“We have proudly worked in Townsville for almost 30 years and see this as a remarkable opportunity for our experienced team to continue working with our established supply chain to provide work for local contractors and suppliers.”
General Manager/Director of DJ Mac Cormick Contractors, Malcolm Mac Cormick, said he’s proud the company is part of a project that is vital to Townsville’s future water security.
“Our experience over 47 years of operation in micro-tunnelling and infrastructure construction/shaft construction has given us the experience needed for a major pipeline project like Haughton Stage 2,” Mr Mac Cormick said.
“We have completed several high-profile complex projects including the Perth Main Sewer stages 5 and 6, Darwin defence navy base drainage, Perth International airport crossings under runways and taxiways as well as numerous rail and highway crossings for pipelines. The company was also awarded the International ‘No Dig’ award 2006 for Retraction system 1200mm for the Otway Gas Project.
“The work we do is complex, and we have the personnel and specialised tunnelling equipment to deliver.”
The announcement of the two contracts coincides with the final bulk delivery of pipes for the second (28km) section of the project from the Haughton River to the Burdekin River.
Work on Stage 2 of the Project is expected to commence in mid-2023 (weather and project conditions permitting) with commissioning scheduled for mid-2025.
Read more about the Haughton Stage 2 Pipeline Project by visiting Council’s Haughton Pipeline Project page.
