Pipe upgrade flows on
MORE than 1200m of new pipeline being installed along Byrnes Street signifies Mareeba’s water main upgrade is nearing completion.
Contractors are now working on Rankin Street with the installation of the remaining pipeline set to be completed by the Christmas break.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Tom Gilmore said the project delivery had been first class.
“It’s a major piece of work and the team at FGF have been doing an outstanding job dealing with some unexpected delays while keeping the disruption to a minimum, ” he said.
“We thank business owners, residents, motorists and the community at large for their co-operation and patience while this critical project is being carried out.”
The council expects the project will be commissioned in the new year, securing the town’s water supply and meeting increasing demands.
“The existing pipeline has been in place for many years and it is imperative that it be replaced as not only is it struggling to meet current demand,” Councillor Gilmore said.
He said it was also reaching the end of its life and may fracture which would cause serious property damage and disruption to businesses in Mareeba’s main street.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe applauded the council on its progress of the works.
The $2.5 million Mareeba CBD Water Trunk Main Upgrade is a joint initiative of Mareeba Shire Council and the Queensland Government through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
Cr Gilmore said it was vital that ageing infrastructure was replaced to avoid potential catastrophe and projects of such a scale would simply not be possible without support from the State Government.