MENDI T O CLE AR WAY FOR PIPELINE
TOWNSVILLE based integrated infrastructure and property group Mendi Constructions has been awarded the first stage of civil work on the city’s new water pipeline.
Townsville City Council announced the package yesterday, saying it would create 50 jobs and involve clearing the route for the 36.5km pipeline.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the package was crucial to ensure work on the pipeline could start in coming months.
“This package of work includes site preparation along the pipeline route, ensuring access to the work areas and removing vegetation,” Cr Hill said.
“This is another important milestone on the project and it will create 50 direct and indirect jobs, with work expected to start within weeks.”
Cr Hill said the council had allocated $ 159 million for the pipeline in the 2018- 19 budget.
The 1.8m diameter pipe will boost the supply of water into Ross dam from the Haughton channel, fed by the Burdekin Falls Dam irrigation scheme.
“Council delivered its biggest ever infrastructure spend in the budget – more than $ 430 million – to invest in these major projects to create jobs for locals,” Cr Hill said.
“The pipeline is council’s top priority infrastructure project and we’re committed to creating as many local jobs as possible.
“We have structured the work packages to ensure local firms such as Mendi have the best opportunity to secure work on the pipeline project.”
Cr Hill said locals could expect more jobs to flow from the project as the construction work packages were announced shortly.
“The pipeline will be one of the biggest job creating projects in North Queensland and we are making sure locals get the best chance to get work on the project,” Cr Hill said.