A Statement from Mayor Nick Dametto regarding the Haughton Pipeline Project

In January, I said I would return with an update once the design and business case for the Haughton Pipeline were complete.

Although the business case is just short of being finalised, this is an update on where the Haughton Pipeline project stands, and how we are progressing toward delivering both the project and water security for Townsville.

Council has taken on board the lessons from earlier phases of the project and is now approaching delivery with far greater rigour.

From a commercial perspective, the approach has fundamentally changed.

Previously, Council committed to delivery without a fully defined scope, cost or risk profile.

This time, we have worked to develop a detailed feasibility study, followed by the development of a robust concept design.

We have worked closely with key stakeholders including Sunwater and Powerlink, to ensure alignment from the outset.

A detailed cost estimate, in line with industry standards, is being prepared based on a clearly defined scope and will be backed by a comprehensive business case.

From a technical perspective, we have also made critical design improvements including relocating the pump station away from the river, removing significant flood and construction risk.

Importantly, moving forward the pump station component of this project will be referred to as the Burdekin Pump Station, while the remaining sections of pipeline still to be constructed represent what remains of the original Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 project.

The completed project will bring into service both Haughton Pipeline Stage 1 and Stage 2 that are already largely constructed and represent a major investment in Townsville’s future water security.

The Burdekin Pump Station will be a fit-for-purpose facility drawing water from Sunwater’s irrigation system and feeding the pipeline network.

This will be supported by a new substation, delivered by Powerlink, to ensure reliable power supply.

Once operational, this system will replace the existing Haughton Pump Station in its current role. The existing station will then be repurposed to support the future water needs of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, a key component of our region’s economic growth.

With pipeline construction expected to be complete by financial year 2027/28 subject to funding, construction of the new pump station will follow, with delivery aligned to the 2032 timeframe required to meet Townsville’s water needs.

I understand much of this project isn’t visible day to day but that doesn’t make it any less critical. Short-term rainfall doesn’t change the long-term outlook.

Demand on our water system is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades, placing additional pressure on Ross River Dam and the broader network.

The current pump station does not have the capacity to maintain dam levels during high demand.

Growth at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will increase demand on our water infrastructure, making the Haughton Pipeline essential to securing supply for both residential and industrial needs.

Without this project, water restrictions would be required earlier and more often.

The new system will allow for strategic pumping when dam levels fall, maintaining a more stable operating range and improving overall efficiency.

Back in January I indicated that the cost to complete this project would be in the hundreds of millions.

It is not expected that this forecast will change, but until the business case is finalised, we won’t know what the precise final figure is.

To date, Townsville City Council has invested $85 million into the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2, alongside $195 million contributed by the State Government.

Through our upcoming 2026/27 budget, Council has continued to allocate funding to keep this project moving, with $20.5 million committed to the Haughton Pipeline Project and Burdekin Pump Station.

This funding is supported through borrowings.

Leaving an unfinished multi-million dollar pipeline in the ground, is not an option.

There is no fallback position here. This project needs to be completed.

On completion of the business case, we will continue to advocate to all levels of government to seek the funding necessary to complete this project.

I am committed to keeping our community informed as delivery progresses on this critical water infrastructure project.

We can’t change how this project started but we are in control of how it finishes.

And I’ll continue to be upfront with you, every step of the way, as we get it done.