Gladstone pipeline plans ensure region’s future water security

The Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline is on track to provide a reliable water supply to residents and industry in the growing Gladstone region, if and when it is needed.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace, today visited the Gladstone Region’s bulk water storage at Awoonga Dam, with Gladstone Area Water Board COE Jim Grayson and Chairperson Mary Boydell.

Minister Wallace is in Gladstone and Tannum Sands with the Premier, her Cabinet and the State's senior public servants for the Bligh Government's Community Cabinet this weekend.

Mr Wallace said pre-construction plans and designs for the pipeline, to deliver additional water to Gladstone from the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, have now been completed by the Gladstone Area Water Board.

“By planning ahead to ensure the option of the pipeline is available, we are securing the Gladstone area’s future water supply options,’’ Mr Wallace said.

“If built, this pipeline will provide an increased water supply in the growing Gladstone region and will also be a reliable source of water in times of drought.’’

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.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, said it is intended that this pipeline will run within the Stanwell to Gladstone Infrastructure Corridor for the majority of its length.

“The Coordinator-General recognised the need create a designated corridor between Stanwell Energy Park and the Gladstone State Development Area to house multiple underground pipelines. Recent establishment of this corridor will reduce investigation and construction disruptions on landowners in the Gladstone region,” Mr Hinchcliffe said

“The Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline has now been released by the Coordinator-General. The public can comment on the EIS until Monday December 15.

“I encourage members of the public to have their say before consultation closes,” said Mr Hinchliffe.

Mr Wallace said the Gladstone Area Water Board has now completed planning and design work for the pipeline, in collaboration with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, and the Department of Natural Resources and Water.

The final stage would involve the construction of the pipeline, which is planned to take two years to complete.

“Final construction 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.

“However, the early work being done for this project ensures construction of the pipeline can commence immediately and be most efficiently delivered, if required.

“The Bligh Government is looking over the horizon and planning for the future, to ensure the ongoing provision of water to the Gladstone region is secured.’’

Awoonga Dam is currently the key water provider for the Gladstone area. Located on the Boyne River, it has a 770,000 million litre capacity.

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.

Mr Wallace said several options were investigated to address Gladstone’s growing water supply needs before a review, undertaken by the Gladstone Water Board, reaffirmed the pipeline from the Fitzroy River as the preferred option.

“I applaud the initiative shown by the Gladstone Area Water Board in pursuing this project,’’ Mr Wallace 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 State Government’s backing of this project has also been supported by a $20 million grant from the Commonwealth Government’s Water Fund.

“This has been a collaborative effort to ensure the people of Gladstone have the future water supply they require.

“We will continue to work with the Gladstone Area Water Board and all other relevant parties to ensure the water supply needs of this region continue to be met.”

Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3896 3689/ 0408 732 491

December 7, 2008