Pipelines on Castle Hill to help bushfire management

To assist with ongoing bushfire management, Council is installing pipelines along some of the walking tracks on Castle Hill.

These crucial works now underway will lead to some staggered track closures at the popular Townsville attraction, with works scheduled to end by the end of September (weather and conditions permitting).

Fixed stainless-steel pipelines will be installed on the West Ridge Track (approx. 780m pipeline), Ironbark Track (560m pipeline) and Goat Track (755m pipeline), as part of a $1.34 million project funded by the Australian Government.

The pipelines are to be supplied with water from a water truck parked on Castle Hill Road during a bushfire or planned burning event, allowing pressurised water to be used along the tracks.

Council is committed to world class liveability through excellent open spaces which promote, protect, and encourage utilisation of our natural environment and these works will lead directly to more effective hazard reduction burns and bushfire fighting ability.

Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said works on the pipeline installations would be staggered so that locals can still enjoy exercising at Castle Hill.

“We know how popular the walking tracks on Castle Hill are, so only one will be closed at a time when that particular pipeline is being constructed,” Cr Rehbein said.

“The pipelines will supply sufficient water pressure so that three 100m hoses can operate on the hill when required.

“These works will be a great help to us during hazard reduction burns ahead of the bushfire season in July.”

For more information, visit the Fire Management and Hazard Reduction Burns pages.