It needs to happen now

LAURENCE LANCINI, Developer and North Queensland Cowboys chairman

Cowboys chairman and developer Laurence Lancini said water security was “vitally important” for growth in Townsville and the broader region.

“I think water security for people’s confidence is so important for investment,” he said.

“You need essential services before you can attract development.

“The Government needs to understand we can’t progress without essential services.”

Mr Lancini said the $ 55 million saving that could be made by building Stage 2 concurrently with Stage 1 of the Haughton pipeline couldn’t be ignored.

“With the cost saving available by doing the second stage at the same time, the Government needs to put the money in and just do it,” he said.

“I think this whole notion about doing another business plan is not the way to go, it needs to happen now.” ALLAN LANE, Water for Townsville Action Group

The high level of anxiety and frustration in the community is evident in the number of people who joined the Water for Townsville Action Group.

Allan Lane said the group had worked tirelessly to lobby and advocate for genuine long- term solutions that served the community’s needs.

“Water security for Townsville should stop the loss of a generation’s work of gardening by the public, and parks and beautification by the council,” he said.

“We can’t let this happen again for the vibrancy of Townsville. “‘ Brownsville’ needs to be a thing of the past.” Mr Lane said there was a lot of community anger about the decades- long delays in securing a water solution.

“Hopefully this time all three levels of government can come together and ensure Townsville’s water security into the future.”