Joint media release: $88.2 million Mount Morgan pipeline project to commence with Albanese Government support

31 October 2023

The Hon Jim Chalmers MP, Treasurer
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Glenn Butcher MP, Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water

  • The Federal and Queensland Labor Governments and the Rockhampton Regional Council Governments are jointly funding the Mount Morgan Water Supply Pipeline Project
  • The Pipeline will deliver long-term water security for Mount Morgan, and will support jobs and growth in the town
  • The Project will deliver approximately 50 jobs and deliver significant economic benefits to local communities and Central Queensland businesses

The Albanese and Palaszczuk Labor governments have teamed up with the Rockhampton Regional Council to fund the $88.2 million Mount Morgan Pipeline Project and deliver long-term water security to Mount Morgan in Central Queensland.

The Pipeline and associated works will bring an end to water carting and secure the long-term sustainability and liveability of the town.

The project will also deliver an economic boost to Central Queensland with approximately 50 jobs set to be created and local businesses to benefit. The Queensland Government and Council have committed to maximise the use of local labour, suppliers, materials, and sub-contractors.

The project also provides an opportunity for Council to undertake important infrastructure works that will improve water security for the wider community. These complementary works include additional reservoir and pumping capacity to support anticipated growth in Gracemere as well as widening and upgrading the Razorback Road when pipework is being laid. Together, the package of works will ensure the future needs of both Mount Morgan and Gracemere are met. Council is funding these complementary works, which is part of the $88.2 million total project budget.

The Mount Morgan Pipeline Project includes:

  • Construction of a 28km potable water pipeline from the Pump Station at Gracemere to Mount Morgan
  • Upgrade of the Gracemere pump station
  • Construction of a new reservoir and new pump station at Lucas Street Gracemere
  • New pump station and small reservoir at Moonmera, which is approximately halfway along the pipeline route

The project is anticipated to be completed in September 2025, weather permitting.

Comments attributable to Treasurer Jim Chalmers

“The Albanese Government understands regional communities like Mount Morgan play a huge role in our national prosperity.

“A strong national economy needs a strong Central Queensland, and that’s why investments like this one are so important.

“I’ve seen the dynamism in the Mount Morgan community and know this pipeline will help ensure the town continues to thrive and prosper in the years and decades ahead.”

Comments attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek

“We're committed to delivering secure and reliable water to communities across Queensland. With hotter, drier weather around the corner it is more important than ever to do this.

“The Albanese Government is confirming today our commitment of an additional $26.5 million to progress the project. This adds to our election commitment of $3.5 million to support planning and investigation work.

“It’s fantastic to help fund this pipeline to ensure Mount Morgan has access to reliable water for generations to come.”

Comments attributable Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher

“The Palaszczuk Government knows how critical water security is to regional Queensland. It is the lifeblood of our communities. Since 2015 we have invested more than $5.2 billion in water infrastructure creating 3,400 jobs around the state.

"This includes vital water security projects for regional communities, supporting them for generations to come. Our investment of $40.4 million in Mount Morgan pipeline is further evidence of how serious the Palaszczuk Government is when it comes to water security for our regions.

“This project will create about 50 jobs during construction, and we are seeing that already with the route being prepared and pipes being moved onsite. We also know that providing a secure water supply also means more jobs and more growth for this community into the future.”

Comments attributable to Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm

“This is great news for the community of Mount Morgan, that the Albanese Labor Government working with Rockhampton Council and Queensland Government has committed funding for the Mount Morgan Pipeline ensuring that the town will have ongoing water security.

“Mount Morgan has a proud history, and this water pipeline will ensure the town and community will have a bright future.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure and services that all communities need regardless of where they might be.”

Comments attributable to Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke

“This is a really exciting project for these communities and I am thrilled we are all working together to deliver the best outcomes for regional Queensland.

“I know how excited locals are at seeing the project get underway. It means jobs for Central Queensland and a long-term water supply that will secure Mount Morgan’s future for generations to come.

Comments attributable to Mayor Tony Williams

“It’s great to see the project reach this important milestone.

“For generations, the Mount Morgan community has struggled with water security and the imposition of water restrictions for extended periods.

“We know that water security in regional areas means security for jobs and opportunity and I am particularly proud to see the Palaszczuk and Albanese Governments working with Council to deliver on our commitment to Mount Morgan.”

Background

  • Mount Morgan residents have been on level 6 water usage restrictions since March 2021 due to the prolonged drought conditions and low levels in Mount Morgan’s Number 7 dam.
  • Rockhampton Regional Council has been funding approximately 20 water carting trucks per day to deliver potable supplies to Mount Morgan for over 30 months, with the Queensland Government contributing $10.8 million toward carting costs.