Less than five months after laying the first pipe, the Toowoomba Pipeline Project is close to pipe-laying completion. Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the complex pipeline was 97 per cent complete and well ahead of schedule.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Less than five months after laying the first pipe, the Toowoomba Pipeline Project is close to pipe-laying completion.
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the complex pipeline was 97 per cent complete and well ahead of schedule.
“Thirty-eight kilometres of pipe is in the ground, with the final piece expected to be laid early next month,” Mr Fraser said.
“Trenching and pipe-laying work began in March and despite the loss of some time due to wet weather the project is several weeks ahead of schedule.
“The pump station footings are in place, as are the basic electrical services that will power the two pumps.
“Construction crews are breaking targets and laying 500 metres of pipe a day.
“This rapid rate of completion is great news for residents in the Toowoomba region who are depending on water from this pipeline,” Mr Fraser said.
Despite the passing of yet another “wet season”, there is slightly less water in Toowoomba’s three dams than this time last year - 10.2 per cent combined capacity as of 19 August 2009, compared with 10.4 per cent last year.
According to Toowoomba Regional Council modelling, Toowoomba will run out of water by the second half of 2010 unless significant inflow is received.
The pipeline is due to begin operating in January 2010.
“Although there is great urgency to complete the pipeline, the Toowoomba Pipeline Alliance and LinkWater Projects will not be cutting any corners to get the construction job done quickly,” Mr Fraser said.
“This pipeline is built to last for generations to come.”
Work has now begun on the pump station at Wivenhoe Dam that will deliver water at a rate of 490 litres per second up the Toowoomba Pipeline to Cressbrook Dam to relieve the drought-stricken city.
Pipe testing and rehabilitating the natural environment is occurring immediately after the pipe is installed.
To date, all pipe tests have passed without any leaks, confirming the alliance is using the right construction methods for the particular needs of the pipeline.
“One of the greatest side benefits of these sorts of projects is the flow on effect to the community,” the Treasurer said.
“Millions of dollars have flowed into local businesses, with locally sourced employment close to 30 per cent of the overall staff of more than 250.
“The legacy is not simply a secure water supply for the region; it’s jobs for locals, business growth and new skills,” Mr Fraser said.
“As part of its record $18 billion building program, the Queensland Government is investing more than $1.32 billion in the Darling Downs region this year.
“That’s around $4,035 for every man, woman and child who call this region home, compared to just $2,761 nationally.
“In tough times, the building program is protecting 127,000 jobs. It’s the reason Queensland’s economy is still performing better than the national average. And it’s helping to build the infrastructure you and your family need now and in the future.”
Other jobs-generating projects underway in the region include: • A new birthing unit at Toowoomba hospital • Intersection improvements on the New England Highway • Toowoomba Courthouse refurbishment • Upgrading the Toowoomba Emergency Department
Media contact: Treasurer’s Office 3224 6361 or 3224 5982
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