Townsville City Council starts work on new Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant pipeline

A pipeline that burst leaving Townsville residents unable to shower for days is now being replaced as part of a multimillion-dollar project.

A NEW pipeline project designed to secure Townsville’s water security for decades has broken ground.

After more than 18 months since the major water supply pipeline for the city failed, putting Townsville on strict water restrictions for weeks, the first pipes of the $60m project have been put in the ground.

In December 2020, the pipe between the Ross River Dam and the Douglas Water Treatment Centre burst, decades before the asset was expected to fail.

Residents were warned not to shower, or wash clothing or dishes in the heat of summer as workers desperately tried to fix the leak.

The pipeline, once it is up and running, will ensure continued supply of 85 per cent of the city’s water.

Mayor Jenny Hill said once that was complete, the pipeline would enhance Townsville’s water security now and into the future.

“9.5km of 1.2m diameter duplicate pipeline will cross Ross River close to the dam and run parallel to the river before connecting to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant,” Cr Hill said.

“Townsville is one of Queensland’s fastest growing cities, and council is investing in the right infrastructure to ensure the region can cope with an expanding population.

“This is a generational investment into water security that our city needs, and having reliable access to clean and healthy water is essential for every person in Townsville.”

Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairman Russ Cook said the council had multiple water projects in the works to improve the city’s water security.

The Haughton Pipeline project has garnered significant backlash, following delays and the council revealing it would need to fund an additional $79m for the project.

“Construction of stage two of the Haughton Pipeline Project is on track for completion by December 2024, construction is also underway on two new clarifiers at Douglas Water Treatment Plant, and the tender was awarded for a new recycled water treatment facility at the Cleveland Bay Sewerage Treatment Plant,” Cr Cook said.

“There are currently about 200,000 residents in Townsville, and it is predicted to have more than 300,000 people by 2050.

“The investment in these critical water infrastructure projects is essential for meeting the demand for residents and business as well.

“This enabling infrastructure will help create more jobs and attract more people to North Queensland and help grow Townsville.”

Originally published as Townsville City Council starts work on new Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant pipeline