Federal Government commits $26M to Mount Morgan Pipeline

Full government funding secured for the $88.2 million Mount Morgan pipeline to commence as a builder for the construction has been appointed.

Wheels are in motion for the $88.2 million Mount Morgan pipeline this week as full Federal Government funding has now been secured and a builder has been appointed.

The government has come to the table with $26 million to support the 28km potable water pipeline from the Gracemere pump station to Mount Morgan.

Water and waste water infrastructure company Haslin Constructions has been awarded the construction works tender.

It isn’t the first project in the region for the New South Wales company as they also did the upgrade of the North Rockhampton Sewerage Treatment Plant.

“We are really excited to welcome Haslin Constructions to this project, and I know they will hit the ground running,” Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said.

“As part of the tender, they also are committed to sourcing labour and materials for this project locally as much as possible which is another big win for our community.”

In February 2023, the bill for Rockhampton Regional Council to transport water to Mount Morgan was about $5.7 million.

Water trucking of up to 20 trucks a day began back in March 2021 when the Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam sank to 9.9 percent and could no longer supply to residents.

The project also includes an upgrade of the Gracemere pump station, construction of a new reservoir and pump station at Lucas Street, Gracemere and new pump station and small reservoir at Moonmera, which is approximately halfway along the pipeline route.

The Razorback Road will also be widened and upgraded.

These minor works will also help support anticipated population growth in Gracemere.

Designs show the route of the Gracemere to Mount Morgan pipeline.

The project is estimated to support 50 jobs and be completed by September 2025, weather permitting.

The State Government 2022-2023 budget included more than $40 million over the next three years for the Mount Morgan Pipeline project.

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed the government would commit $26.5 million to progress the project.

A previous $3.5 million was committed in the 2022 Federal election to support planning and investigation work.

“It’s fantastic to help fund this pipeline to ensure Mount Morgan has access to reliable water for generations to come,” Ms Plibersek said.

“With hotter, drier weather around the corner it is more important than ever to do this.”

Mr Williams said it was “great” to see the project reach an important milestone.

“For generations, the Mount Morgan community has struggled with water security and the imposition of water restrictions for extended periods,” he said.

“We know that water security in regional areas means security for jobs and opportunity and I am particularly proud to see the Palaszczuk and Albanese Governments working with Council to deliver on our commitment to Mount Morgan.”

The dam was last recorded to be at 38 percent however water continues to be trucked in daily for residents.

The town is on level six water restrictions.

As the dam equipment has been offline for some time now, it has reached end of life and needs to be upgraded before it can be used again.

PIPELINE PROJECT PROGRESS

Rockhampton region mayor Tony Williams and divisional councillor Cherie Rutherford with Rockhampton MP Barry O'Rourke in front of pipes to be used for the Mount Morgan pipeline.

Pipes have already been delivered at sites across the region and early works of site preparation, power upgrades and cultural and environment assessment have begun.

The last shipment is expected by the end of November.

All statutory approvals have now been obtained.

“We are now moving into the next phase which is full construction with locals seeing a lot more activity in Mount Morgan from this week onwards,” Mr Williams said.

Originally published as Federal Government commits $26M to Mount Morgan Pipeline