Townsville City Council has announced the $2.1 million upgrade to water mains in Hermit Park and Hyde Park are complete – with the works funded through the Queensland Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program.
The project, undertaken by Newlands Group, saw pipes and water mains upgraded along Yeatman Street, Brodie Street, Armstrong Street and Queens Road, whilst new water connections were also installed along Charters Towers Road.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook, said the completed upgrades would ensure residents in the area continue to have a safe, reliable, secure, and healthy water supply now and into the future.
“These upgrades are about future-proofing our region, not only replacing old water mains when they are approaching the end of their operational life, but ensuring the new mains are able to service our growing community,” Cr Cook said.
“The upgrades are a key element of Council’s commitment to invest in infrastructure projects right across Townsville, from the city to the suburbs.”
Cr Cook said Townsville City Council was committed to the city’s water security.
“Council’s 2021/22 Budget included a $177 million investment in water infrastructure and services,” Cr Cook said.
“As our population grows and existing infrastructure approaches the end of its operational life, Council is committed to making the investment into the water infrastructure our city needs.
“An added bonus of projects like this is the jobs it supports. This project supported 20 jobs, with Newlands Group employing local contractors and staff to get the work done.”
Queensland Minister for Resources and member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said the COVID Works for Queensland program was providing $200 million to support the Queensland economy, including Townsville.
“Townsville City Council has received more than $13.5 million through the COVID Works for Queensland, which will support more than 80 jobs,” Mr Stewart said.
“This funding has provided an economic stimulus to our economy which took a major hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Helping create jobs while upgrading essential infrastructure is an important part of supporting Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“The COVID Works for Queensland funding was in addition to almost $70 million in funding that Council has received from the earlier rounds of Works for Queensland that has supported more than 1,600 jobs across our city.”
