MIRANI MP SAYS NEW PIPELINE WILL BE A ‘GAME-CHANGER’ FOR MOUNT MORGAN

MIRANI MP, Stephen Andrew, today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of funding for the 28 kilometre water pipeline from Gracemere to Mount Morgan in his electorate.

“Water scarcity has been an ongoing issue for the people of Mount Morgan” Mr Andrew said.

“Finding a solution to the problem was one of the key things I’ve wanted to see happen for some time now, and I am thrilled the issue has finally been resolved”.

Mr Andrew said “the pipeline will solve Mount Morgan’s water security issues permanently and unlock the town’s enormous potential”.

“It will mean an end to water carting and secure the community’s long-term water supply needs, allowing it to grow into one of the region’s prime commercial, mining and tourist destinations.”

The MP said he has strongly lobbied the Queensland government for a solution to Mount Morgan’s water problems since being elected in 2017.

Mr Andrew said the town’s enormous contribution to the state’s prosperity and growth for well over a century, was probably the final clinching element in his case to the government.

The MP said he did have some concerns, however, over the dramatic rise in the project’s cost, saying he was “taken aback” on seeing the pipeline described in the government’s statement as an $88.2 million project.

“Last year, we were told the cost of the pipeline and its associated works, would be around $40 million. The amount was based on a detailed business case obtained and agreed to by the Rockhampton Regional Council.”

“Now, all of a sudden, we are told the cost will be $88.4 million.  What happened?  The project scope hasn’t changed and there has been no explanation as to why costs would have doubled just twelve months later”.

The Mirani MP also said he hoped the government wasn’t planning to expend the $88.2 million on a ‘costs recovery basis’, with the costs to be later passed on to local households.

“The last thing people in this region need is to be slugged with another doubling or tripling of their water bills” Andrew said.

“I will be seeking reassurance from the Minister on this point at the next parliamentary sitting”.