The Palaszczuk Government will fast-track funding for the $225 million Haughton pipeline to ensure long-term water security for Townsville, as part of its Mid Year Fiscal and Economic Review today.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad said funding of $160 million – up from $15 million – will now be provided in 2018-19, with a further $55 million to be provided in 2019-20.
"Fast-tracking this funding is the right thing to do for the people of Townsville," Ms Trad said.
"We can only do this because our plan to responsibly manage the economy to deliver jobs, critical infrastructure and growth across Queensland is paying off.
"Bringing forward this funding to secure Townsville’s water supply is in addition to the $17.9 million we have fast-tracked for local projects in five NQ councils under our Works for Queensland project. Together, these projects will provide a further boosting to the local economy and jobs."
TCC set a December 2019 completion date for construction of the project
"The Palaszczuk Government’s original commitment of $225 million was to be provided over four years,’’ Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said.
"Full funding will now be delivered a year earlier,’’ Mr Stewart said. This means less administration and more money out the door sooner.’’
"Unlike the Federal Government, which makes vague, qualified promises about water infrastructure funding, when the Palaszczuk Government makes a commitment it keeps that commitment,’’ Mr Stewart said.
"The people of Townsville can be assured their water supply is secure through to at least 2030 because of the Palaszczuk Government.’’
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said an initial grant of $10 million was provided to assist the community to transition to water use appropriate to living in the north, including community education, household rebates and industry support.
"The remainder of the $225 million was then to be paid in construction instalments. That funding will now be accelerated.’’
"This is a marvellous and much-needed project for the people of this region that is not only supplying a secure water supply but also jobs and business opportunities for locals,’’ Mr Harper said.
"When the pipeline is completed, Townsville will have access to an additional 234 megalitres of water per day from the Burdekin – nearly tripling the current capacity.
"The Palaszczuk Government had again shown its commitment to the Townsville region.’’
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill thanked the Queensland Government for bringing forward funding for the pipeline, which is Council’s number one infrastructure priority.
"Council would like to thank the Queensland Government for bringing forward $160 million in funding for the pipeline to ensure the money is available when we need it," Cr Hill said.
"Securing this funding will save ratepayers and allows Council to better plan for upcoming infrastructure projects.
"Council is totally committed to delivering the pipeline by December next year, to provide our community with water security.
"I’d again like to thank the Queensland Government for its $225 million investment in water security in Townsville – and bringing forward the funding to make it available when we need it."
