Pipeline to more debates
THE second of two articles aiming to clear up who is recommending what, and who’s ( not) paying. City Deal: On December 16, 2016, the PM, the Queensland Premier and the TCC mayor signed Australia’s first 15 year City Deal. The City Deal guarantees intergovernmental co- operation to prioritise and provide critical infrastructure. Water security is top of the Townsville City Deal list. The Queensland Government has allocated $ 225 million to fund Stage 1, that is, for the new pipeline only. We have no funding commitment from the Federal Government. $ 225 million: The amount allocated in the State Government Budget for “fully funding” the duplicate pipeline, that is Stage 1. If the Federal Government matched that funding under the City Deal, we would have enough for the job, that is, the total cost of the task force or WFTAG proposals. State Opposition and other election candidates have promised to match the $ 225 million, at least. Duplicate Pipeline: Is a general term given to the next phase of infrastructure for Townsville’s short- term water needs. It does not mean copying or following what we currently have. Proposals include wider diameter pipes and superior materials, different pumps, and cheaper power. The WFTAG proposal recommends wider concrete- lined steel pipes, solarpowered pumps and no open channel. Gravity feed: Or, why should we pay for pumping when gravity can do it for free? The Burdekin River Dam is a gravity- fed dam; water is forced out the bottom of the dam. From a purely engineering perspective, it is possible to gravity feed from the BRD to RRD but the upfront costs would be huge. Any “gravity- feed” solution would require pumps in some places, tunnels and a longer pipeline because water won’t siphon over 10.3 vertical metres. Over a 50- year period, the pump- driven pipeline will still provide cheaper water for Townsville ratepayers. Renewable Energy Sources: Pump- ing water from the BRD is estimated to cost more than $ 30,000 a day – mostly for electricity. The Water Task Force recommendation ( Stage 1) connects to Power Link high voltage with a saving of around 40 per cent on power costs. Renewable energy sources are planned for Stage 2, but no funding is guaranteed. The WFTAG proposal includes a solar/ battery installation from the beginning, so daytime pumping costs would be zero. Water security: WFTAG is the only player to actually state what water security should actually mean for current and future Townsville residents. The WFTAG definition is for infrastructure that is suitable, sustainable, durable ( at least 70 years) and affordable for the Townsville community. Management would include recycling and tank water, so that current Level 2 restrictions would be the worstcase scenario into the future. Water Security Task Force: With four members, was set up as part of Australia’s first City Deal and chaired by local businessman, Brad Webb. It delivered its interim report on June 30, 2017, recommending a two- stage construction Water for Townsville Action Group: WFTAG is an independent, non- partisan community group which commenced in December 2016. The WFTAG admin team is a collective of volunteers who are committed to lobbying for the best possible long- term water infrastructure solution for Townsville. The team that has developed over the last 11 months includes educated, experienced volunteers including experts who have researched the options required to secure Townsville’s water future. WFTAG contributes to TCC Water Transition Package meetings and the City Deal Implementation Plan. In April 2017, it presented a 450- page report to the Water Task Force. It meets with Brad Webb and politicians to keep the focus firmly on Townsville’s water security. Water security options: There are now two remaining water security options for Townsville: 1. The City Deal Water Task Force ( Stage 1) that will deliver 234 megalitres per day ( cost $ 203 million). A later Stage 2 ( suggested for 3- 15 years time and uncosted) will upgrade the open channel, add a new pump station and a Toonpan WTP. 2. The WFTAG proposal for 420 megalitres per day costing a total of $ 558 million, is very similar to task force stages 1 and 2 except it avoids the environmentally sensitive HBSA. Water Task Force proposal: As stated above, the Townsville City Deal Water Task Force recommends a two- stage solution. Stage 1 will deliver 234 megalitres per day for $ 203 million. Stage 2 would be implemented over three to 15 years, expanding supply to 364 megalitres per day for another $ 200 million at today’s prices. This WTF proposal does not include the treatment plant necessary to deal with the extra capacity of 130 megalitres per day. WFTAG proposal: The WFTAG proposal is a comprehensive plan for delivering water security to Townsville for up to 80 years. This option includes a complete 1800mm pipeline from the BRD to a new WTP at Toonpan which would then connect directly into the Townsville water supply. It uses renewable power to deliver as much water as the other proposals, but with zero power costs for pumping during daylight hours. TCC planned pipeline: A duplicate pipeline and associated works was already planned and costed by the TCC. That has now been superseded by the Task Force proposal. It required upgrades to the open Haughton Channel at an additional cost to deliver water into the RRD and subsequent treatment at the existing Douglas Water Treatment Plant. Toonpan WTP: The construction of a new WTP at Toonpan is a core component of the WFTAG duplicate pipeline proposal. Construction must start in conjunction with pipeline construction. It would be designed for the special requirements of treating the turbid water delivered from the BRD and pump it directly into the Townsville water reticulation system. Politicking: Activity undertaken for political reasons or ends, as campaigning for votes before an election, making speeches and so on, or otherwise promoting oneself or one’s policies. The three elected tiers of government have access to the money to fund any and all infrastructure needed to achieve water security for Townsville. WFTAG represents the voices needed to keep the pressure on the decision makers that is, the local, State and Federal governments.