FITZROY PIPELINE MOVES A STEP CLOSER

The State Government has today approved the next stage of the Fitzroy pipeline, to secure future water supplies for the Gladstone region.

Water Minister Craig Wallace said the approval would allow Gladstone Area Water Board to undertake the detailed multi-million dollar pre-construction work for the 120km-long project.

The pre-construction work consists of detailed planning work and securing all approvals.

“By completing this stage now will allow the project to be fast-tracked should the State Government give final approval for the works,’’ the Minister said.

The overall project involves constructing a 120km pipeline from the Lower Fitzroy to the northern end of Gladstone Area Water Board’s raw water distribution system at Yarwun.

If built, the pipeline will provide additional supply for drought mitigation, improve reliability and also meet additional demand in the region.

“The Gladstone board is managing the project so this stage of works will involve detailed planning works, including securing all approvals and completing all pre-construction work,’’ Minister Wallace said.

“The final stage would involve the construction of the pipeline, estimated at $320 million. Construction may take up to 2 years to complete.

’’The final construction of the pipeline may not occur in the next few years if the drought breaks or if additional demand associated with prospective projects does not eventuate.

Mr Wallace said the pipeline could be operational in late 2010.

The pipeline will be capable of delivering 30,000 megalitres per annum, with the ability for this capacity to be increased to 45,000ML per annum following further upgrades.

“I applaud the initiative shown by the Gladstone Area Water Board in pursuing this project,’’ the Minister said.

“To date, the board has met the costs of funding for each stage. The final terms governing the construction costs are yet to be negotiated with the State Government.’’

The board expects to have the pre-construction stage completed by October 2008, if all necessary approvals are obtained and all goes according to plan.

Media contact: Minister's office, 3896 3688, or 0407 131 654.