Mount Morgan now has a safer and more reliable drinking water supply following completion of the $88.2 million Mount Morgan Water Supply Pipeline project.
The completed pipeline strengthens water security for the Queensland town. It also helps the community prepare for potential future periods of drought.
A long-term solution for Mount Morgan
The 28 km pipeline connects Mount Morgan to the Rockhampton water network, providing a reliable supply of treated drinking water. The project also adds water supply capacity to growth areas in the region, including Gracemere.
The pipeline is now operational following testing and commissioning.
It provides a long-term solution to a challenge that became critical during drought in 2021. At that time, Mount Morgan's No. 7 Dam fell below 10% capacity. This led to level 6 water restrictions and the need to cart water into town from Rockhampton.
Water carting continued until early 2024, when dam levels recovered. The new pipeline provides a secure drinking water supply and removes the need to rely on water carting as a long-term solution.
Building a more secure water supply
The project included:
- 28 km pipeline between Gracemere and Mount Morgan
- upgrades to the pump station at the Old Capricorn Highway
- a new pump station and twin 3.65 megalitre reservoirs in Gracemere
- a new pump station and 500 kilolitre reservoir at Moonmera.
Treated water moves from the Athelstane Reservoirs in South Rockhampton. It flows through Gracemere and Moonmera. Then, it gets pumped over the Mount Morgan Range to the Mount Morgan South Reservoir.
The project will boost residents' and businesses' confidence in the town's water supply. It will also support Mount Morgan's growth in the future.
Governments working together
The Australian Government invested $30 million in the project through the National Water Grid Fund. The Queensland Government contributed $40.4 million and Rockhampton Regional Council provided $17.8 million.
