Council decides on pipe

TOWNSVILLE is to have a glass- reinforced plastic pipe to help provide water security for the city after the council yesterday selected Iplex Australia as its preferred supplier for the $ 215 million Haughton pipeline duplication.

Mayor Jenny Hill announced the decision after the council convened a closed meeting to consider the issue yesterday.

A price for the tender, which is still to be finalised, was not revealed although Cr Hill indicated price was among the factors for the decision as well as a commitment by Iplex to reopen a mothballed plant at the Bohle.

The 36.5km, 1.8m diameter pipeline will provide up to 234 megalitres of water per day into Ross River Dam from the Haughton Pump Station, allowing more water to be pumped more efficiently than an existing 1.2m diameter steel pipe.

A mild steel cement- lined pipe provided by a consortium including Steel Mains had been the other short- listed option.

Cr Hill said the council was comfortable with the selection of Iplex.

“Iplex have committed to reopening a plant here as part of the project,” Cr Hill said.

“Over 50 jobs will be included, not just for the life of the project but we believe these will be sustainable jobs.”

She said the decision would bring new technology into the region and provide greater security in delivering sustainable jobs.

“The company will be training staff here in making the fixtures and fittings associated with the pipe,” she said.

Cr Hill said the council hoped to sign a contract with an agreed price shortly.

She said they would release the next round of contracts for civil works, the delivery of pumps and energy supply in the next couple of weeks.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said up to 500 jobs would be created, particularly for work on civil infrastructure and the laying of the pipe.

GHD North Queensland spokesman Rob Saunders said the glass- reinforced plastic pipe would have a design life of 80 years, similar to that of a steel cement- lined pipe.

The State Government has committed $ 225 million to fund the project

Cr Hill said the council was adamant it would complete the project by the end of 2019.