Work crews have completed one-third of the Southern Suburbs Rising Main and the Recycled Water Reuse Scheme.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the project has supported 20 full-time local jobs.
“Almost 130 people have been inducted on site for the project – which is great for our local economy,” Cr Hill said.
“It is great to have so many people working on a development that will make the area more resilient.
“The $10.4 million contract was awarded to locally based firms RMS Engineering & GMN Group as a Joint Venture, this is another example of Council supporting local jobs and businesses.”
Cr Hill said the crews are making good progress.
“The workers have laid more than 4km of pipe and the crews have worked almost 14,000 hours,” Cr Hill said.
“They’ve completed the first bore and they’ve started work on the second.
“This will improve our sewerage network and prepare the area for future growth.”
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said the project was part of Council’s commitment to delivering its 3-point water security solution.
“The Southern Suburbs Rising Main will reduce pressure on the sewerage network,” Cr Cook said.
“The Recycled Water Reuse Scheme will treat wastewater to a high standard so it can be used by industry and irrigate parks and playing fields.”
“We had the unprecedented monsoon recently – but it is important to remember we have had dry weather for many years.”
“We need to prepare for future droughts and invest in vital infrastructure for our future.”
The Southern Suburbs Rising Main project has received $5 million in funding from the Queensland Government.
Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the project will alleviate increasing pressure on Townsville’s southern sewerage network and ensure its operation for the next 30 years.
“This vital infrastructure project will provide new capacity for growth in residential development, the Lavarack Barracks, Townsville Hospital and James Cook University,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support local jobs and economic activity in North Queensland through Building our Regions, which funds projects such as this.”
Council’s 3-point water security solution includes:
- The new 1.8-metre diameter pipeline
- A recycled water reuse scheme for public open spaces and industrial use
- Water Smart Package
