Plans aligned for pipeline delivery
Published on 31 August 2022
During last week’s Council meeting plans were endorsed for a more efficient alignment of the Mount Morgan Water Pipeline.
The new alignment will use the existing road reserve from the Poison Creek intersection up the Razorback Road and into Mount Morgan via Creek and Baree Street, up East Street extended, across the Dee River, into Black Street and then finishing at the South Reservoir.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said this is another positive step forward on the project.
“Council committed to finding the most efficient and effective solution to Mount Morgan’s water supply issue and this is just another example of us sticking to that commitment,” Mayor Williams said.
“The alignment that was originally identified in the Business Case used the existing rail trail up the Razorback, however a number of construction concerns were identified with this option.
“Some of these concerns were that the pipeline would go through private properties, there would be significant environment overlays, major telecommunications infrastructure is already on that alignment, and constructing in service access roads would cause issues for accessibility, these are just a few of the concerns we had.
“Once these issues were identified, an alternative option was reviewed which has turned out to be a much better option for the construction of the pipeline.
“This new alignment is a more direct route and saves about 1.5kms in pipeline and construction so it makes much more sense to go with this option.
“The revised alignment won’t require any new construction of service access roads and will be in already existing road reserves which means we are minimising the number of approvals we need.”
It is expected that further minor adjustments will occur throughout the construction phase.
Water Connections
Water Councillor Donna Kirkland said the revised alignment of the pipeline has a number of positives and is a really big win for the project.
“It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that this is an extensive, complicated project,” Cr Kirkland said.
“Any opportunities to make it simpler and quicker to deliver are a clear win.
“We have had a few people ask already if they can connect their own water mains to the pipeline however this just isn’t possible.
“This pipeline is designed to provide a reliable water supply to the town, and is a trunk main not a service main, which means it is a very high-pressure line.
“Any connections added to this would put significant pressure on the line and would likely cause damage.
“While it’s not possible to allow connections, we are focusing on the primary purpose of this project which is getting that water into the taps of the Mount Morgan community as soon as we can.”
Community Consultation
Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford said she is really excited with the latest development in the pipeline project.
“The new, revised alignment seems to tick all the right boxes. It’s very exciting to see us moving another step closer to a reliable source of water for Mount Morgan” Cr Rutherford said.
“The next thing that we will focus our attention on in the coming months will be updating the Mount Morgan community on where the pipeline project is up to.
“We are looking to come up to Mount Morgan for another information session in the near future and will provide details for this as soon as we can.
“I know I say it all the time, but I really want to reinforce how thankful we are to the community for their patience and cooperation.
“We know this has been a long journey for the community, which is why it’s so important that we get this right, so the people of Mount Morgan are never faced with a situation like this ever again.”
For more information including copies of the alignment please refer to Council’s website https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/council-meetings/council/council-ordinary-22-08-23-agenda.pdf
Published in the Mt Morgan Argus on 31 August 2022.