Townsville residents are set to benefit from more than $1.7 million worth of water mains upgrades in Hermit Park and Hyde Park, an investment aimed at improving services and bolstering the township's capacity into the future.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chairperson Russ Cook said the infrastructure upgrades will involve the replacement of three key water mains.
“As part of our capital works investment this financial year, council is upgrading essential underground water infrastructure throughout the city, and this project is part of a larger one to upgrade water mains along Charters Towers Road,” Cook said.
“It will involve replacing existing water mains along Yeatman Street, Armstrong Street and Queens Road which will allow for new water connections along Charters Towers Road.”
Cook said the project will strengthen Townsville’s underground water network significantly.
“By upgrading these water mains, council will be able to provide an improved service to our residents and businesses in the area and ensure that Townsville’s infrastructure will last longer and continue to support the city as it grows,” he said.
“This project is being delivered by Newlands Group, who will be using local contractors and staff to get the work completed with 20 jobs being supported throughout the life of the project.”
Funded by the Queensland government’s COVID Works for Queensland program, the infrastructure works will continue the boost in employment in the region created by state support, Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said.
“This funding has provided an economic stimulus to our economy, which took a major hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“Townsville City Council has received more than $13.5 million through the COVID Works for Queensland, which will support more than 80 jobs.
“The COVID Works for Queensland funding was in addition almost $70 million in funding that council has received from the earlier rounds of Works for Queensland that has supported more than 1600 jobs across the city.”
The upgrade works are expected to take six months to complete.