: News Article

Pipeline access to Burdekin water moving a step closer

16/05/2001

NQ Water has commenced the second stage of a project that will eventually see the Burdekin Dam pipeline, connected to the Townsville Thuringowa water supply system.

Currently, the only way Burdekin water can be used is by pumping it into Ross River Dam at Toonpan where the Burdekin pipeline ends, resulting in costly loss through evaporation. Consequently water from the Burdekin has augmented supply just once, in 1994, when Ross River and Paluma dams were critically low.

NQ Water Chairman, Ian Hamilton, said the first step to connect the Burdekin pipeline directly to the local water supply was taken in 1998 when a 7.3 kilometres-long pipeline was built from Angus Smith Drive to Southward Road, Stuart, with a branch line to the Sun Metals Zinc Refinery.

"A $3.2 million contract for the second stage of the project has now been awarded to Moody Civil & Pipe to extend the pipeline a further 7.4 kilometres west, from Southward Road alongside the Flinders Highway to Mt Jack. Total cost of this section including construction, materials and design is about $8 million."

Mr Hamilton said treated, piped Burdekin water should be available to Townsville and Thuringowa on demand within about four years following further construction phases.

"Still to be built are a 30 megalitres capacity reservoir at Mt Jack, a water treatment plant and pump station 10 kilometres further west at Toonpan and a third and final pipeline section."

Mayor Tony Mooney and Mr Hamilton today inspected work on the stage two pipeline.

"This initiative will guarantee an abundance of water for strong population and industry growth in the Townsville region," Mr Mooney said.

"Burdekin water will also ensure the community has water security during prolonged periods of drought and will give Townsville and Thuringowa a distinct supply advantage over most water-hungry Australian cities," he said.

Mr Hamilton said commencement of stage two of the project follows close consultations with property owners, whose land the pipeline will cross. Environmental matters have also been given careful attention and where vegetation is disturbed NQ Water will undertake revegetation.

More information:
Ian Hamilton
telephone: 4726 0000
Mobile: 0418 777 284

Mayor Tony Mooney 4727 9201

Media contact:
Harry Landman
Telephone: 4779 6619
Mobile: 0418 743 376

© 2004 NQ Water