PIPE WORKS UNDER WAY

CIVIL works have started on Townsville’s new water supply pipeline.

Government MPs, Mayor Jenny Hill and councillors marked the start of the project yesterday which is seen as critical for boosting water supply, limiting potential future water restrictions and providing jobs.

Cr Hill said the civil works would prepare the ground for installing the 36.5km 1.8m diameter pipeline, duplicating an existing but smaller pipeline along which water is pumped from the Haughton irrigation channel into Ross River Dam.

“Dozens of workers are on site preparing the ground where the pipe will be laid including removing scrub and building new access tracks,” Cr Hill said.

The State Government is investing $ 225 million towards water security in Townsville, including the pipeline duplication project.

Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said she was pleased to see machinery hitting the ground to prepare the site for construction.

“With the building, comes the jobs for Townsville residents and associated economic benefits for local business,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Townsville firm Mendi Group was awarded the contract for the initial civil works and will create about 50 direct and indirect jobs servicing it.

“The pipeline will be one of the biggest job- creating projects in North Queensland and we are making sure local firms get the best chance to get work on the project,” Cr Hill said.