Queensland Premier Palaszczuk

Townsville Water Security Project Stimulates Jobs And Manufacturing

Victor P Taffa

Palaszczuk Government’s accelerated $225 Million funding for Townsville’s Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project is creating hundreds of local jobs, boosting advanced manufacturing and ensuring the city’s water supply for the future.

Marking another milestone today Premier Palaszczuk has joined Mayor Jenny Hill and Townsville MP Scott Stewart at a new facility where manufacturing company RPC Technologies is producing fixtures and fittings for the water pipes.

“As well as getting on with the vital provision of water for Townsville, this means jobs for local industry.” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“Another local firm, Iplex, is moving the glass reinforced polymer pipes through the Port of Townsville, to be installed by NQ Excavations and CivilPlus.”

“Reinforced concrete supports are also going into the ground and a tunnel boring machine is due to arrive soon to excavate under the Flinders Highway.” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“Council is set to announce another local contract for the remainder of the installation.”

“All of this adds up to water security and economic stimulus from a project that is on time and on budget.” Premier Palaszczuk said.

State Government’s funding was fast tracked in the mid-year budget update, allowing Townsville City Council to rapidly progress the 36.5 km duplication from the Haughton Pump Station to the Ross River Dam.

$160 Million up from $15 Million will now be provided in this financial year, with a further $55 Million in 2019-20.

Council has set December this year as the completion date to more than double the current capacity, shoring up Townsville’s water supply until at least 2030.

Mr. Stewart said the people of Townsville had named water as their number one issue and the Palaszczuk Government was now delivering the pipeline.

“As a growing city we need to build critical infrastructure to assure residents and business that Townsville is the place to live and invest.” Mr. Stewart said.

“Government’s local procurement policy not only creates local job opportunities but builds capability and capacity of local contractors for future projects.”