The latest two contracts for the installation of the final 18km of the $225 million Haughton Pipeline in Townsville have been awarded, with 200 jobs and an additional $30 million to be injected into the local economy as the next stage of construction begins.
Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors and Member for Mundingburra, Coralee O’Rourke, said, “BMD has a long-standing history in Townsville and will construct the final leg of the 36.5km pipeline while using local businesses and creating local jobs.
“This next stage of the project means hundreds of jobs.”
Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said with the community still recovering from an unprecedented flooding event, the jobs and economic investment that flow from the next two stages of the pipeline provided a much-needed boost for the economy.
“Being on site, it is great to see this vital piece of infrastructure coming together—one that will secure a reliable water supply for the region for decades to come,’’ Mr Stewart said.
More than 400 workers are now on the project.
Water and Waste Committee Chair, Cr Russ Cook, said the package of works included the installation of 18km of pipeline, and construction of one river crossing at the Haughton River and creek crossing at Major’s Creek South.
“The work will be delivered in sequence with civil works and land acquisitions along the pipeline easement and is expected to begin within weeks,” Cr Cook said.
Group Executive Director – Operations, BMD Group, Scott Power, said BMD was looking forward to successfully delivering another key project for the Townsville region.
“BMD has been delivering key infrastructure in North Queensland for 25 years and as a local company we are proud to be contributing to an important project such as the Haughton Pipeline Duplication,” Mr Power said.
“As a company dedicated to collaborative contracting and local input, we are focusing on the creation of local jobs during construction and are looking at spending in excess of $30 million with local businesses.”
Townsville Mayor, Cr Jenny Hill, said the contract would ensure the project remained on schedule for completion in March 2020.
“Townsville’s long-term water security is well on the way to being delivered,” Cr Hill said.
“The water pipeline is the most critical infrastructure project in the city in decades.
“This package of works alone will deliver 200 direct and indirect jobs and because of the major focus on local suppliers, $30 million will be spent with 90 local businesses right here in Townsville.
“That is a huge economic injection into the city.”
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