Water security key to region’s future
IT is the 21st century and in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Townsville is still fighting for the right to have basic water security.
We welcome Brad Webb’s water taskforce findings, which were announced yesterday, reaffirming the critical importance of Stage 2 of the water pipeline to secure Townsville’s urban water supply.
Townsville Enterprise supports the recommendation of progressing Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline Duplication concurrently with Stage 1, which would not only save $ 55 million in costs but deliver the fundamental necessity of accessible water to our community.
While the report also identifies Hells Gates Dam as a possible long- term water security option for Townsville, it also acknowledges that it is predominantly an agricultural and power project.
The vision for this $ 5.35 billion project, which has now been proven as viable, is to develop North Queensland’s agricultural sector and underpin global export opportunit- ies, which will create jobs for generations. As we draw closer to a federal election, we are “full steam ahead” calling for funding towards a list of key priorities for Townsville, North Queensland.
Our number one priority is Stage 2, complemented by Hells Gates Dam, which will both ensure our region’s future as an ideal place to live, work and invest.
Our position is unequivocal — we don’t just want one project, we want to secure commitments towards them all.