Water main duplicated to improve reliability of supply

A $4.6 million project to duplicate a 4.8km water main from the Burgowan water treatment plant to reservoirs at Takura will improve the reliability of water supply to Hervey Bay and surrounding areas.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said work on the project, funded by both Council and the Queensland Government, was well underway and on track to be finished in the coming months.

“The project has many benefits for Hervey Bay,” he said.

“Council will be able to reduce power use by minimising the time it needs to pump water in peak demand periods.

“The duplication will also improve the reliability of the reticulation system which supplies the Bay by ensuring that if one main needs to be shut, the city can still be supplied with water.”

Council has two reservoirs at Takura, one of the highest points in the Bay, from which it supplies water to the city.

“The project has also ensured Council staff, including two trainees, maintain and enhance their skills in the construction of large diameter water mains,” Cr Everard said.

“It is fantastic that the state government could financially assist us to undertake the project.”

The $4.59 million project is funded by $2.754 million from the Queensland Government under the 2019-21 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, and $1.863 million from Council.

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari welcomed the project, with the Palaszczuk Government making a $2.75 million investment.

“This is a great investment in Hervey Bay, improving water security throughout the region,” Mr Tantari said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Fraser Coast through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and ensuring our region’s economic recovery is full steam ahead.”

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders touted the jobs up for offer.

“This duplication is great news for the entire region, delivering more jobs and protecting the crucial water supply up to Hervey Bay,” Mr Saunders said.

“By investing in this duplication we’re also delivering 45 local jobs so far as part of our region’s plan for economic recovery.”

To minimise environmental disturbance, the new main is being built within road reserves and existing easements.

Council allocated $24.8 Million in its current budget for projects to boost the region’s water and sewerage services.

CAPTION: Flowing smoothly ... State Members for Hervey Bay and Maryborough Adrian Tantari and Bruce Saunders check on the progress of the Burgowan to Takura watermain project with trainee Richard  Azzopardi, apprentice plumber and drainer Ryan Howlett, trainee Luke Triffitt and Deputy Mayor Darren Everard.