Council promises reliable water supply from Haughton stage two

A project aimed at providing water security to Townsville for decades to come is a step closer to starting with delivery of the first pipes to be used for the $274m development.

A project aimed at providing water security to Townsville for decades to come is a step closer to starting with delivery of the first pipes to be used for the $274m development.

The pipes were due to arrive by ship at Townsville port on the weekend from Adelaide where they have been manufactured by pipe maker Iplex Australia.

The state government and Townsville City Council are funding stage two of the Haughton pipeline project which will boost the capacity of water to be drawn from Burdekin Falls Dam.

Stage two will connect to a completed stage one at the Haughton River south of Townsville and extend a further 28.5km to a new pump station to be built next to the Burdekin River near Clare.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the delivery was a key milestone for the project.

“Townsville is in the dry tropics and our region is one of the driest in Queensland. Our rainfall is unpredictable and sometimes falls outside of dam catchment areas, which is why the Haughton Pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure that will help deliver a reliable water supply into the future,” Cr Greaney said.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles (right) with Mayor Jenny Hill and Mr Stewart inspect a section of pipe at the Iplex plant in Townsville earlier this year. Picture: Natasha Emeck

“Council identified in 2016 the need for long-term water security to help support a growing population, and we have pushed hard to make this project a reality. Seeing the first shipment of pipes arrive in Townsville is a significant milestone and is one step closer to achieving the level of water security needed for our rapidly growing population.”

Iplex Australia General Manager Paul Lavelle said stage two of the Haughton pipeline supported over 30 direct and indirect jobs throughout the region and would go on to support the local economy.

“During stage one of the Haughton pipeline project over $2m in purchases were made in the Townsville area through our subcontractors. The delivery signals the return of further investment in the Townsville region,” Mr Lavelle said.

“We are very excited to be part of this important project.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the project would help create good secure jobs and provide water security for Townsville.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government was proud to step up and invest $195m in this important project which will help jobs and business growth for Townsville,” Mr Stewart said.

About 500 lengths of 1.8m diameter Glass Reinforced Polymer pipes are due to arrive with a further 1500 pipes will be shipped by March 2023.

According to the council, pipe installation is due to begin in June next year with a completion phase times for between January and June 2025.

Originally published as Council promises reliable water supply from Haughton stage two