Mount Morgan Pipeline milestone

More than 10km of pipe has been laid as part of the Mount Morgan Pipeline, marking the completion of one third of the pipeline alongside plans for new pump stations and reservoirs nearing finalisation.

Contractor Haslin has completed pipe-laying along three sections of the route, including Johnson/Boongary Road in Gracemere and Kabra Road and Four Mile Road in Kabra.

Haslin is also working on the designs for the new pump stations, reservoirs and upgrades to the Razorback Road which are expected to be complete in the coming months.

The 28km high-pressure water pipeline will link Gracemere with Mount Morgan and provide a long-term sustainable water solution to the town.

The pipeline strengthens water security in Mount Morgan, on the back of three years of Level 6 water restrictions.

The project will support 50 local jobs with local contractors used for a range of works and services across the project.

The Mount Morgan Water Pipeline project includes:

The 28km pipeline from Gracemere to Mount Morgan
Upgrade of the Old Capricorn Highway pump station
A new reservoir and new pump station in Gracemere
A new pump station and small reservoir at Moonmera (halfway along the route)
Upgrade and widening of a section of Razorback Road

The project is expected to be completed in September 2025, weather permitting.

The $88.2 million project, which is jointly funded by the Federal Government, through the National Water Grid Fund and the Queensland Government with Rockhampton Regional Council, began construction in January 2024 following three years of sustained drought across the Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam catchment.

Queensland Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said that it is fantastic to see the Mount Morgan project moving along.

“We all know just how important this is for the community, with strong backing from all three levels of government,” Ms Plibersek said.

“I’m looking forward to water carting becoming a thing of the past and to seeing a thriving Mount Morgan community and economy supported by a reliable and secure source of water.”

Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said that the council is getting on with this important water security project for Mount Morgan, and that the State Government is proud to provide $40.4 million funding to see it delivered.

“I’ve said to Mayor Tony Williams, just like I’ve said to every Queensland Mayor – this is a government that works with our councils to deliver the water infrastructure our communities need. The Mount Morgan Pipeline is further proof of this commitment,” Mr Butcher said.

“Water security means jobs, liveability, investment and population growth. It’s so important we work with our councils like Rocky to get water security right.

“The Mount Morgan Pipeline comes hot on the heels of Rookwood Weir, the largest Weir since World War Two.”

Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke, said that Rocky is growing and so is Mount Morgan.

“I’m pleased to see the Queensland and Federal Governments rolling up their sleeves to help council fund this vital water project,” Mr O’Rourke said.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams, said that it is great to see this project moving ahead and to know that each and every day it is getting another step closer to its completion.

“This project is a game-changer for Mount Morgan and the local community. We know that we simply don’t have the catchment size and rainfall to provide that vital water security the town needs over the long-term,” Mr Williams said.

“The Mount Morgan Pipeline provides a permanent solution that will allow the town to grow and share in the jobs and economic opportunities we are pursuing as a region.

“Funding from the Federal and Queensland Governments for this and other projects helps us to put downward pressure on rates and water charges – that’s money Rocky ratepayers don’t need to fork out for.”

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