PIPELINE TO DELIVER PERMANENT WATER SUPPLY FOR CLONCURRY

The Bligh Government has approved the urgent construction of a 38 kilometre pipeline to pump water to the township of Cloncurry from the Ernest Henry Mine in the state’s north west.

Premier Anna Bligh announced that Sunwater has been selected to build the pipeline at a cost of $42.5 million.

“This pipeline will provide a permanent water supply for the town, with current supplies depleted by years of drought,” Ms Bligh said.

“I pledged that my Government would not let the people of Cloncurry go without water, and we have delivered on that promise.”

Ms Bligh praised the work done on behalf of the town by Member for Mt Isa Betty Keirnan.

“Betty has been championing the case for Cloncurry, making sure that our Government was aware of the threat, keeping me updated and working to secure this outcome,” she said.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said work was already underway on the pipeline.

“To minimise possible delays over the upcoming wet season, Sunwater are already undertaking a preliminary works program, to ensure the earliest possible delivery of the pipeline,” he said.

“The pipeline will be capable of delivering up to 1500 megalitres of water into the town’s storage each year.

“Not only will this address the immediate water crisis in Cloncurry, but the pipeline has also been designed to cater for future population and industrial growth.

“Sunwater will now undertake significant preparatory works over the summer, so construction can commence immediately at the end of the wet season.

“Sunwater is confident between July and September next year the pipeline will be in place and pumping water,” Mr Wallace said.

Member for Mt Isa Betty Kiernan said the announcement of the pipeline will provide great relief to the people of Cloncurry.

“Today’s announcement provides certainly to this community, that their town will not run dry,” Ms Kiernan said.

“The Bligh Government has been working closely with the community to address the water shortage in the short term. Construction of this pipeline will now provide a long term solution.

“This is a great early Christmas present for the people of Cloncurry.”

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the Bligh Government is also ensuring the town’s water can be supplemented while the pipe is being built, if current town supplies dwindle.

“The Government will provide $3.6 Million under the Urban Drought Water Program to support water carting into Cloncurry for up to nine months, as a contingency measure.

“While recent rain has boosted town supplies, it is essential we have a back up plan to provide water security while the pipe is being built.”

Cloncurry Mayor Andrew Daniels welcomed the Bligh Government’s announcement.

“Betty Kiernan promised the people of Cloncurry that she would work to secure this pipeline for our town - and she has delivered.

“It is also through the hard work, understanding and support of the Minister’s of the Bligh Government that this important project will come to fruition.

“This announcement demonstrates the Bligh Government’s commitment to people in rural Queensland.

“This pipeline is crucial to our town’s future water security and development as a part of the North West Minerals province.”

Media Contacts: Premier’s Office - 3224 4500