Airport in water main win

A NEW water main will be constructed at Townsville Airport after the State Government announced $ 1.15 million in funding to provide a reliable supply for the area’s industrial needs.

The local grant is part of $ 4.8 million worth of funding for various North Queensland projects as part of the State Government’s Building Our Regions program. The state funding, to be matched by Townsville City Council, will also support the airport’s current firefighting service demands.

State Development Minister and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said the Government was partnering with Townsville to improve water supply.

“This is great news for North Queensland,” he said.

“Money from our royalties ( is) being reinvested to the regions where our royalties come from.”

Townsville Airport’s chief operating officer Kevin Gill said the funding would ensure the airport could meet future growth.

“We welcome the support for ongoing growth; it’s good news,” he said.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the airport’s water main was an extremely important piece of infrastructure.

“It’s needed for Queensland Airports to begin their upgrade of the Townsville Airport,” she said.

Palm Island has also received $ 1 million for an upgraded jetty precinct and an upgraded pedestrian footpath.

The Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council will contribute $ 218,540.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said Building our Regions was already delivering for the North, with more than 100 jobs and almost $ 9.14 million provided for work from Charters Towers to Palm Island.