More local jobs to flow from pipeline project
Date published: 13 September 2018
Townsville City Council has awarded another major contract on the new water pipeline project to a firm with a long history of operating locally.
AECOM has been selected to do the Contract Management for future construction packages on the pipeline project.
AECOM will provide contract administration and on-site supervision for work such as the installation of the pipeline, which is expected to start later this year.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said breaking up the work packages on the pipeline project allowed local firms the best chance of securing work to create as many local jobs as possible.
“There are several different companies already working on the project and it shows what Townsville businesses can do when they are given the chance to work together,” Cr Hill said.
“Council has deliberately chosen to break up the work packages to give local businesses every opportunity to be part of the project and that’s why we have selected AECOM to do Contract Management and coordination.
“We want to create as many jobs for locals as possible on the new water pipeline project.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the State Government’s policies required major projects like the pipeline to use local contractors and manufacturers, wherever possible.
“Our Buy Queensland approach supports genuine, quality, secure and ongoing local jobs,” he said.
“We have provided $225 million for the pipeline and water security in Townsville, but it’s also important that the jobs and business opportunities flow locally as well.”
The pipeline is a key plank of Council’s 3-point water security solution, which also includes a water re-use system and the Community Water Transition Support Package.
Cr Hill said the pipeline will secure Townsville’s water supply and was Council’s top infrastructure priority.
“Praying for rain is no strategy for long-term water security, and that’s why Council is totally committed to building the pipeline by the end of next year,” Cr Hill said.
Cr Hill said work would continue to ramp up on the pipeline project over the coming months.
“Civil works are well underway and the first access track is being built and several kilometres of the pipeline route has been cleared to allow the installation to begin,” Cr Hill said.
“The installation of the pipeline is expected to begin later this year, with more jobs created and locals working on site to deliver Council’s most important infrastructure project.”
Council’s 3-point water security solution includes:
- 1.8-metre diameter pipeline
- Water re-use system
- The Community Water Transition Support Package.
