LET IT FLOW

Mayor wants funds to build pipeline by 2019

TOWNSVILLE Mayor Jenny Hill wants to see duplication of the Haughton Pipeline completed by 2019.

Cr Hill will today send a letter to Premier An- nastacia Palaszczuk asking for the State Government’s $ 225 million commitment to be delivered over the next two years — instead of four — so the project can be completed by the end of 2019. The Mayor will ask for $ 125 million to be provided this year, with the remaining $ 100 million delivered during the next financial year to accelerate the project and provide a boost for local contractors.

The Townsville Water Security Taskforce, set up under the City Deal agreement between Townsville City Council and the State and Fed- eral governments, handed down its interim report on fixing the water crisis in June.

The Taskforce recommended construction of a second pipeline to duplicate the existing supply link from the Burdekin Dam to Ross River Dam.

MAYOR Jenny Hill will today ask Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to fast- track funding for the duplication of the Haughton Pipeline.

Cr Hill will send a letter to the Premier today requesting that the State Government’s $ 225 million commitment be delivered over the next two years — instead of four — so the project could be completed by the end of 2019.

The Mayor will ask for $ 125 million to be provided this year, with the remaining $ 100 million delivered during the next financial year to accelerate the project and provide a boost for local contractors.

It comes after The Townsville Water Security Taskforce, set up under the City Deal agreement between Townsville City Council and the State and Federal governments, handed down its interim report on fixing the water crisis in June.

The Taskforce recommended construction of a second pipeline to duplicate the existing supply link from the Burdekin Dam to Ross River Dam.

“Council’s campaign to get the taskforce set up and to secure the funding was a big win, but I speak on behalf of our community when I say we need the pipeline built and the additional water flowing as soon as possible,” Cr Hill said.

“There is now an expectation in our community that everyone gets on with the job and I’ve outlined to the Premier the overwhelming benefits that completing the project over the next two years will deliver for the city.”

Cr Hill said design work on the second pipeline was well advanced.

“The council is developing a method of delivery that will break the project down into smaller packages that will maximise opportunities for local contractors and get the work done faster,” she said.

“The taskforce, under the direction and leadership of Brad Webb, did a great job with their work to identify the best pipeline option, and the government has delivered for Townsville with their funding commitment.”

Taskforce chairman Brad Webb supported Cr Hill’s request to the Premier.

“The State Government responded very quickly to the taskforce’s recommendations with a commitment to fund the pipeline and that was a great result for the community,” he said. “With the council design work and preparations well advanced, if we can get the funding through sooner, we can get the pipeline built and get the jobs and water flowing for Townsville residents.”

The State Government in June committed $ 225 million over four years to deliver on the recommendations of the Water Security Taskforce, a pledge matched by the LNP.

The council has already announced a $ 10 million water management campaign, to be fronted by celebrity gardener Jamie Durie, funded as part of the State Government’s water commitment. The scheme will include financial incentives for residents to undertake watersaving measures.