Jobs for NQ as Townsville pipeline progresses

Published Wednesday, 21 February, 2018 at 12:45 PM

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Eighteen months out from first taps being turned, economic benefits from the Townsville pipeline duplication project are already flowing to NQ businesses.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham and Mayor Jenny Hill today met engineers and project managers SMEC, GHD and Premise for a progress report on the $215 million duplication project.

“It was fantastic to hear that local surveyors, hydrologists, welders, fabricators, excavators and transport businesses will all be needed to deliver the pipeline over the next two years,” he said.

“Already SMEC, GHD and Premise have 30 people working on this critical project for Townsville’s residents and businesses.

“This project will be a huge job creator for Townsville and will help revitalise the city’s manufacturing industries.

“It will also be great to see the Community Water Transition Support Package council is developing to assist the Townsville community to adopt water efficient practices and devices.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said awarding the tender for the pipe – expected late next month – was a huge milestone for the pipeline project.

“Work on the water pipeline has already started and we are on track to complete this crucial infrastructure project by the end of next year,” Cr Hill said.

“Manufacturing the pipe is a huge part of the project and Council isn’t wasting any time with the tender process.

“Council is structuring the tenders to give local businesses the best chance of winning work on the pipeline and we’re hopeful local firms can partner with big industry players to manufacture the pipe locally.

“This pipeline is a major job-creator and we will see it more as the project ramps up in coming months.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said local employers meant local jobs.

“The vast majority of people employed on this project will come from the local area,” he said.

Communities Minister and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said increasing water supply was very important for residents and vital in supporting the sustainability of local businesses.

“Residents and businesses want water security and the knowledge that their community can grow and prosper without threat of running dry,” she said.

“That’s why we want to see this project up and running as quickly as possible.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the Palaszczuk supported what he said was a very important piece of infrastructure.

“Last year, we pledged $225 million over four years to provide water supply security for Townsville,” he said.

“This includes $215 million to duplicate the existing Haughton pipeline from the Haughton Channel to the  Ross River Dam.” 

Work on the 36km pipeline has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

[ENDS]

Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314