The purchase of 28 kilometres of pipe and an early works package are paving the way for the start of the Mount Morgan Pipeline.
Council proactively purchased the pipes in December 2022 with 17 kilometres of pipe already delivered at sites across the region.
The final shipment is expected to arrive in Rockhampton by the end of September.
The early works package managed and delivered by Council includes site preparation, power upgrades and cultural and environmental assessment, setting the stage for works to seamlessly transition into the full construction phase.
Rockhampton Mayor, Tony Williams, said starting the project was vital as the Mount Morgan community had already endured two years of level six water restrictions which will remain in place until the conclusion of the project.
“This has been a hard two years for the Mount Morgan community, and I want to thank them for their patience,” Mayor Williams said.
“We know that the sooner we start this project, the sooner we finish and so securing the pipes along with these early works help cut down any delay and ensure a seamless transition to full construction once the tender process concludes.
“Council proactively decided to purchase the pipes to ensure there were no delays due to the challenges we are seeing in the global supply chain.
“We have most of those pipes now and we will see the final shipment delivered in the coming weeks.
“I want to particularly acknowledge the people of Mount Morgan who have shown extraordinary patience and understanding as we work through this process.
“Reliable, long-term access to drinking water will mean a massive boost to the town and I am proud to see the project moving forward.”
Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke, said the Queensland Government is committed to ensuring the Mount Morgan community had a secure, long-term water supply for the future.
“The Mount Morgan community can be reassured all three levels of government are delivering long term water security for the region,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“We know water is a precious asset and vital to sustain liveability in our Central Queensland communities.
“It is fantastic to see another milestone in these important works.”
The Mount Morgan Pipeline project includes the construction of a 28km pipeline, new and upgraded pump stations along the route between Gracemere and Mount Morgan and new reservoirs at Gracemere and Moonmera.
Council is currently finalising a tender process for the delivery of the project and will provide an update on project timelines once that process has been completed.
