Another step closer to water security in Mount Morgan, with pipeline one-third complete

• Key water security project for community of more than 3,000 people
• More than one-third of pipes laid for the Mount Morgan Pipeline
• Designs for pump stations and reservoirs soon to be completed
• Project will deliver approximately 50 jobs

The Mount Morgan Pipeline has reached an important milestone, with pipe laying now one-third complete and designs for new pump stations and reservoirs almost finished.

Contractor Haslin has completed more than 10km of pipe-laying along three sections of the route, including Johnson/Boongary Road in Gracemere and Kabra Road and Four Mile Road in Kabra.

Haslin is also finalising designs for the new pump stations, reservoirs and upgrades to the Razorback Road which will be complete in the coming months.

The 28km high-pressure water pipeline will link Gracemere with Mount Morgan and provide a long-term sustainable water solution to the town.

The pipeline strengthens water security in Mount Morgan, on the back of three years of Level 6 water restrictions.

The project will support 50 local jobs with local contractors used for a range of works and services across the project.

The Mount Morgan Water Pipeline project includes:

• The 28km  pipeline from Gracemere to Mount Morgan
• Upgrade of the Old Capricorn Highway pump station
• A new reservoir and new pump station in Gracemere
• A new pump station and small reservoir at Moonmera, halfway along the route
• Upgrade and widening of a section of Razorback Road

The project is expected to be completed in September 2025, weather permitting.

The $88.2 million project, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund and the Queensland Government with Rockhampton Regional Council, began construction in January 2024 following three years of sustained drought across the Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam catchment.

Comments attributable to Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“It’s fantastic to see the Mount Morgan project moving along.

“We all know just how important this is for the community, with strong backing from all 3 levels of government.

“I’m looking forward to water carting becoming a thing of the past, and to see a thriving Mount Morgan community and economy supported by a reliable and secure source of water.

“The Members for Flynn and Capricornia would rather be talking about nuclear energy than making sure there’s water for taps in communities like Mount Morgan. They don’t get it – and they remind us every day how out of touch the LNP are to regional Queensland.

“10 years of Coalition Government in Canberra delivered no water security projects in Queensland. This project is proof of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together and prioritise water security.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“It’s great to see Council getting on with this important water security project for Mount Morgan. The Miles Government is proud to provide $40.4 million funding to see it delivered.

“I’ve said to Mayor Tony Williams, just like I’ve said to every Queensland Mayor – this is a government that works with our Councils to deliver the water infrastructure our communities need. The Mount Morgan Pipeline is further proof of this commitment.

“Water security means jobs, liveability, investment and population growth. It’s so important we work with our Councils like Rocky to get water security right. And we’re a government that’s doing just that.

“The Miles Government continues to deliver water security for Central Queensland. The Mount Morgan Pipeline comes hot on the heels of Rookwood Weir, the largest Weir since World War Two.

“The LNP talk a big game about water security, but they never deliver.

“It’s only Labor governments that deliver water infrastructure for Central Queensland. Projects like Rookwood Weir, the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline and of course the Mount Morgan Pipeline confirm our record of delivery in the region.”

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton MP, Barry O’Rourke:

“Rocky is growing and so is Mount Morgan. I’m pleased to see the Queensland and Australian Governments rolling up their sleeves to help Council fund this vital water project.

“You never see the Member for Mirani in Mount Morgan, because he’s too busy peddling conspiracies and talking down our $62 billion Energy and Jobs Plan – but Labor is always there for ‘the Mount’.

“If the LNP had their way, projects like the $2 million funding to the North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant and the $40.4 million for this important pipeline -funding for these sorts of projects just wouldn’t exist.

“The LNP don’t believe in helping Councils, all they believe in is cuts.”

Comments attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams:

“It is great to see this project moving ahead and to know that each and every day we are getting another step closer to its completion.

“This project is a game-changer for Mount Morgan and the local community.  We know that we simply don’t have the catchment size and rainfall to provide that vital water security the town needs over the long-term.

“The Mount Morgan Pipeline provides a permanent solution that will allow the town to grow and share in the jobs and economic opportunities we are pursuing as a region.”

“Funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments for this and other projects helps us to put downward pressure on rates and water charges – that’s money Rocky ratepayers don’t need to fork out for.”

Further Information:

In April 2024, Rockhampton Regional Council lifted water restrictions in Mount Morgan following extensive rainfall.

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004