Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal
| Investment | $60 million |
|---|---|
| Jobs | 150 |
| Goal | 4. A sustainable destination that embraces and participates in the arts, sports and events and recreational activities. |
| Strategic Purpose | A water security initiative renewing the pipeline connecting Ross River Dam and the Douglas Water Treatment Plant, which will increase the resilience of this key asset. |
| Status | Completed |
Project Overview
Townsville City Council, with the support of the Queensland Government, committed $60 million to the renewal of the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant (WTP) pipeline.
This key water infrastructure asset is essential in Townsville’s water supply, providing approximately 85% of the city’s water. The existing pipeline ran adjacent to Riverway Drive and crossed Ross River just prior to the treatment plant. It experienced an unexpected failure in December 2020 resulting in a temporary disruption to water supply.
The Ross River Dam to Douglas WTP Pipeline Renewal project has increased the resilience of this key asset, further enhancing Townsville’s water security now and into the future.
The new 9.5km pipeline crosses Ross River closer to the dam and runs parallel to the river through the Department of Defence’s Mount Stuart Training Area before connecting to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.
This project is part of Council’s investment in water infrastructure and services, continuing our strong focus on water security and ensuring Townsville’s water supply for decades to come to support future development of the city.
The new Ross River Dam to Douglas WTP Pipeline was completed in June 2024.
Environmental Approval Documents
Environmental approval documents relating to Council’s projects are available on the Projects – Environmental Approval Documents page.
Online Industry Briefing
Council hosted an online briefing for contractors, suppliers and consultants in September 2021.
The first of several tender packages for businesses to participate in the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal project have been issued.
Council awarded a contract to Steel Mains to supply and deliver the pipe and fittings for the project. This contract will enable construction to start this year, which will enhance Townsville’s water security.
Council is committed to enhancing the city’s water security as Townsville’s population continues to grow.
Works Notifications
- 27/06/2024 – Revegetation Works (PDF)
- 18/06/2024 – Pipeline Completion (PDF)
- 14/05/2024 – Pipeline Activation (PDF)
- 22/04/2024 – Temporary Pump Testing (PDF)
- 22/09/2023 – Pipeline Renewal Works (PDF)
- 30/11/2023 – Pipeline Renewal Works (PDF)
- 21/07/2023 – Pipeline Renewal Works (PDF)
- 26/06/2023 – Excavation Works (PDF)
- 19/04/2023 – Pipeline Renewal Works (PDF)
- 09/03/2023 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 20/01/2023 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 02/12/2022 – Concrete Pour (PDF)
- 17/11/2022 – Concrete Pour (PDF)
- 11/11/2022 – Controlled Blast (PDF)
- 05/11/2022 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 28/10/2022 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 30/09/2022 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 30/08/2022 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 22/07/2022 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 15/06/2022 – Pipeline Works (PDF)
- 23/02/2022 – Water Pipeline Investigation Works (PDF)
Media Releases

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.



