First tender released for Stage 2 of QLD Haughton Pipeline Project

Queensland's Haughton Pipeline Project is moving forward with the announcement of the first tender for Stage 2 works, taking this significant development a step closer to construction. 

The Queensland Government is committing $195 million towards the delivery of this project. 

“Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline Project will go a long way in ensuring Townsville water security for decades to come. 

“My government knows how important this project is for Townsville’s future and that’s why we are providing $195 million in funding. 

“This project will also support hundreds of jobs during construction, boosting North Queensland’s economic recovery,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

A detailed road map for the Haughton Pipeline Project Stage 2 has been formally signed off by the Townsville City Council and it includes the approval of an increase in project budget to $274 million – including an appropriate contingency allowance. 

According to Mayor Jenny Hill, Council officers and specialist consultants undertook considerable planning for the project over the past 12 months. 

“Completing the second stage of the Haughton pipeline will give Townsville the water security ot needs as it grows over the next 50 years. 

“It realises the recommendation made by the Townsville Water Security Taskforce’s final report of November 2018 that a pipeline be constructed between the Ross River Dam and the Burdekin River near Clare to enable the dam level to be managed to best deliver water to the city. 

“I thank the Premier and her Members for their willingness to work with Council to deliver this game-changing infrastructure for our city,” Mayor Hill said. 

Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline Project will include building a 28.5-kilometre water pipeline that will extend and connect with the 36.5-kilometre pipeline delivered through Stage 1 to source water from the Burdekin River and pump it towards the Ross River Dam. 

The pipeline delivered during Stage 2 is going to be located from a site near Keith Venables Road in the Upper Haughton River to a site linking the Ayr Dalbeg Road and the Burdekin River near Clare. 

“The council is committed to securing Townsville’s water security and this project will do that. 

“It will mean that Council will need to provide up to $79 million to fund this vital investment in our city’s long-term future. 

“We will manage the risks in this project closely to put downward pressure on costs, but we are not going to cut corners. This piece of infrastructure will provide water security for the next 50-80 years and we will do it right,” Mayor Hill said. 

Stage 1 of the project is expected to generate 1,000 jobs while Stage 2 is expected to create approximately 1,300 jobs, providing a significant economic boost in the region. 

“Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline will deliver water security, but it will also deliver jobs. 

“The project is expected to support hundreds of jobs in the region. This couldn’t come at a better time as Townsville and North Queensland continue to recover from COVID-19 global pandemic,” Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said. 

Townsville City councillors have already been briefed on the project. 

The tender for long lead items – including pipes and pumps – is due to be released by the end of the year and the construction tender is going to be released in early 2022. 

“Anyone who has built major infrastructure like this knows it simply doesn’t happen overnight, and this stage of the project has presented a variety of different challenges compared to the stage 1. 

“Detailed design work for the pipeline and pump station will now be finalised with delivery partners. 

“Construction of the pipeline and pump station is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 with testing and commissioning to be finalised by March 2025,” Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; City of Townsville; Utility Magazine; The Australian Pipeliner; Roads and Infrastructure Australia