Council backed to build Stage 2
TOWNSVILLE City Council could be given the responsibility of building Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline duplication project, with Herbert MP Phil Thompson ruling the idea was “on the table”.
Mayor Jenny Hill has been vocal about the need for the Federal Government to hand the $195 million contract to build the water security infrastructure project to the council instead of employing a tier 1 contractor.
A political firestorm has raged in recent weeks between federal MPS and civic leaders after revelations the business case suggested there was no compelling reason to build the pipeline and that ratepayers would be slugged an extra 8 per cent on bills to cover cost.
The independent business case by the global engineering firm Jacobs has since been panned for being a “disappointment” for making incorrect assumptions.
“The one thing the (Jacobs) report did say was that the project should be delivered by Townsville City Council because we now have a proven track record that we can deliver major infrastructure projects and ensure we meet all government guidelines and generate real local jobs,” Cr Hill said.
Mr Thompson said he respected this recommendation of the Jacobs’ report.
“It is the view from the Jacobs independent report; the view from myself, (Dawson MP) George Christensen and (Senator) Susan Mcdonald is not to go to a tier one contractor and (instead) someone like council, that has proved themselves on Stage 1,” he said. “So that’s definitely on the table.”
It comes as the council is understood to have submitted its letter to Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mccormack in a bid to convince him to release funding for Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline.
Townsville Enterprise, Townsville Chamber of Commerce and independent joint water security taskforce chairman Brad Webb made a joint submission to the same effect.
A steadfast decision to build Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline duplication project was made last week after an urgent meeting held by Herbert MP Phillip Thompson that included Dawson MP George Christensen, Mayor Jenny Hill, Townsville Enterprise chief executive Patricia O’callaghan, Townsville Chamber of Commerce, and Townsville Water Security Taskforce chair Brad Webb.