Work on the next section of the Haughton water pipeline is on schedule to begin within weeks with Townsville City Council awarding the tender for the work to local company NQ Excavations.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the project, which would extend the pipeline a further 330 metres under the Haughton River, was an important milestone for getting the pipeline ready for the construction of Stage 2.
"The Australian Government's funding announcement for Stage 2 is a great result for Townsville and it's exciting to see that Stage 1 will be finished on time and allow for us to begin work on this next section," Cr Hill said.
"To date there have been more than 1000 workers involved in delivering Stage 1 of the pipeline and this number is set to grow with more work beginning on the pipeline.
"This is a great example of all three levels of Government working together to secure our water supply for decades to come while supporting jobs for locals."
The funding for the extension to Stage 1 will come from the State Government's $225 million funding commitment for Council's 3-point water security solution.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the water pipeline was crucial for securing Townsville's water supply for decades to come.
"As we near the completion of Stage 1 of the pipeline it's great to see that Council is getting ready for the next section of work," Mr Stewart said.
"The $225 million investment from the Queensland Government has been vital in improving water security for the city as well as creating jobs and seeing economic benefits flow to the community."
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook encouraged residents to be water wise while the extended work on the pipeline was underway.
"Now that the funding for Stage 2 has been committed, Council has been able to review the design of the Water Pipeline and tender the extra works that need to be completed," Cr Cook said.
"We're expecting the delivery of the full Water Pipeline will take a further three years, with work on Stage 1 on track to be fully complete in March.
"While the work on Stage 2 is completed, Townsville will continue to use the existing pipeline connected to the Upper Haughton when needed and it's important that we continue to use our water wisely."
The pipeline is a key part of Townsville's 3-point water security solution, which includes:
- The new 1.8-metre diameter pipeline
- A recycled water reuse scheme for public open spaces and industrial use
- Water Smart Package
