Media Release: Final Agreement for Haughton Pipeline Stage 2

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The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals
Federal Member for Riverina
 
The Hon Alan Tudge MP
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure
Federal Member for Aston
 
Phillip Thompson OAM MP
Federal Member for Herbert
 
Senator Susan McDonald
Senator for Queensland
 
George Christensen MP
Federal Member for Dawson

 

Final Agreement for Haughton Pipeline Stage 2

The Federal Government has provided the final project agreement for Stage 2 of Townsville’s Haughton Pipeline to the Queensland Government for signing so work can begin.
 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government has agreed to the scope of the project.
 
“For funding to flow on this critical water infrastructure project, the Queensland Government must now sign the agreement so Townsville City Council can begin construction and deliver jobs and a boost to the region’s economy,” Mr McCormack said.
 
“Our nation is reeling from the ongoing effects of COVID-19. These are tough times for all of us.
 
“The Australian Government understands supporting jobs and local economies by getting shovels in the ground and boots in mud on significant infrastructure projects makes a world of difference to our regional communities.
 
“Stage 2 will create more than 690 new jobs over its three-year construction, along with a further 30 new full-time ongoing positions – which is great news for the community and local economy as it begins to bounce back from COVID-19.”
 
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline demonstrates the collaborative approach of the Townsville City Deal in delivering water security for Townsville, following completion of Stage 1.
 
“Our ground-breaking City Deals are about working across all levels of Government, industry and the community to deliver transformative outcomes on a scale only achieved through collaboration,” Mr Tudge said.
 
“This project will drive major economic growth, create jobs for the people of Townsville and we will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to get construction on Stage 2 of the pipeline under way.”
 
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said it was time for the State Government to do the right thing and sign the agreement.
 
“The ball is now firmly in the Queensland Government’s court. This is Federal Government money for the people of Townsville, for the Council to build a pipeline to secure our city’s water security – the State needs to do its bit and get out of the way,” Mr Thompson said.
 
“As well as securing the city’s long-term water supply, Stage 2 will be vital for providing jobs, enhancing business opportunities and supporting the economy at this critical time.
 
“It’s time for the Queensland Government to stop playing political games and put pen to paper so works can get under way as soon as possible.”
 
Townsville-based Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald said this project is about delivering the secure and reliable water supply the region needs and deserves to thrive into the future.
 
“We are proud to be investing $195 million in this transformative, job-creating project for Townsville,” Senator McDonald said.
 
“But let’s not forget water is a State responsibility and it is only because of the State Labor Government’s failure to invest in critical infrastructure that the Federal Government must step in.
 
“By rights the Queensland Government should be paying for this pipeline but the Federal Government has listened to the community, identified the need and tried to get on with the job of delivering.”
 
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the project would also deliver a much-needed boost to the region’s agricultural sector.
 
“Delivering the Stage 2 pipeline means the channel would not be needed for urban supply and can be made available to irrigators, supporting $3 million in additional agricultural output in the region each and every year,” Mr Christensen said.
 
“By underpinning the growth of our important agriculture sector, this project will be backing our hard-working farmers and their families while driving the region’s future prosperity.”
 
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is committing more than $380 million to Townsville through the Townsville City Deal, which is a 15-year agreement signed in 2016 to transform the city’s economy and central business district.
 
The Stage 2 Haughton Pipeline project forms part of the Townsville City Deal signed in December 2016.
 
For more information on the Townsville City Deal, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/townsville/


ENDS

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