Construction on new Storm King Dam water pipeline underway

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe today turned the first sod on a new pipeline which will connect Stanthorpe’s Storm King Dam with the Mount Marley Water Treatment Plant.

Mr Hinchliffe said the $6.56 million pipeline – partly funded with a $3.94 million contribution from the Palaszczuk Government – was an important water quality project for the people of the Southern Downs.

“This vital pipeline ticks all the boxes for the health of the local community and the health of the local environment,” he said.

“It will run from Storm King Dam to the Mount Marley Water Treatment Plant, replacing an ageing pipeline that’s more than 60-year-old.

“This is about securing the local water supply for future generations, while caring for the local environment.

“The added bonus for the community and the local economy is the council estimates this project will support or create 25 jobs during construction.

“The new pipeline is another sign of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing investment in job-creating infrastructure in regional Queensland.”

The Palaszczuk Government is contributing $3.94 million to the project through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP).

Southern Downs Mayor Tracey Dobie said:
 
“We were thrilled Minister Hinchliffe visited the Southern Downs to officially open what is an exciting line-up on new projects for this region. 

“These works are a part of Council’s commitment to the continual improvement and liveability of our wonderful region. 

“We are grateful significant projects such as these have been able to be realised with the assistance of the Queensland Governments programs, including Works for Queensland.”

Minister Hinchliffe also took the opportunity to visit other significant infrastructure projects across Southern Downs including:

• the completed upgrades to Schnitzerling Street and Kenilworth Street;
• the raw water from Connolly Dam to Morgan Park and the Morgan Park sewerage projects;
• the Stanthorpe CBD Streetscape projects in Rogers Street and Fromes Lane; and
• the road and footpath improvements in Warwick CBD which are currently underway.

The projects have received $4.2 million in approved State Government funding through the LGGSP, the 2016-17 Community Resilience Fund and the highly successful 2016-17 and 2017-19 Works for Queensland program, with Council estimating 105 jobs will be created or supported.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 194 548