State commits $33m for Townsville region water treatment upgrades

The Queensland Government has committed $33.3 million towards major upgrades of two key water treatment plants in the Townsville region.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt and Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said the funds would go towards upgrades of the Mt Spec (Kinduro) and Douglas water treatment plants.

“These projects form part of the council’s Townsville and Thuringowa Water Supply Upgrade Project,” Mr Pitt said.

“An amount of $25.58 million has been committed to the Mt Spec plant upgrade, which involves the construction of a new 40ML per day water treatment plant on elevated land at Kinduro, north of Hencamp Creek.

“This new facility will ensure water from the Crystal Creek Intake-Paluma Dam system conforms to water quality targets and provides a reliable high quality water source for the local community.”

Mr Wallace said the Douglas water treatment plant would also undergo a significant upgrade to meet production and water quality targets.

“The Queensland Government also has committed $7.72 million to upgrade the treatment modules at Douglas so the facility can better cope with the high level of treated water needed to be produced.

“This is essential infrastructure for our communities, and the government is pleased to provide these funds through the Water and Sewerage Program to help make these upgrades possible.”

The Water and Sewerage Program is a Queensland Government initiative to provide local governments with subsidies of up to 50 per cent of the cost of essential water and sewerage infrastructure.

The government has also deferred a decision on a subsidy for an additional treatment plant at Toonpan while the Townsville Regional Council re-assesses its need following a review of its local bulk water usage allowances and charges.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819