TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

SENATOR ANTHONY CHISHOLM
SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND


MOUNT MORGAN PIPELINE FINAL PIPE IN THE GROUND

 
The community of Mount Morgan in Central Queensland is another step closer to ending water carting for good with the final pipes being laid on the Mount Morgan pipeline today.

Mount Morgan residents had been on Level 6 water restrictions for about three years. Water had been carted to the community for more than 30 months, at a cost of more than $10 million.

The 28km pipeline will transport potable water at high pressure from the pump station at Gracemere, providing long-term water security to Mount Morgan after a prolonged period of drought and water restrictions.

With the pipeline complete, work can now begin on other supporting works, including construction of three pump stations at Lucas St, Moonmera and Old Capricorn Highway, and completion of reservoir construction works.

Once complete, the pipeline and associated works will bring an end to water carting and ensure the future water needs of both Mount Morgan and Gracemere are met.

The Mount Morgan Pipeline is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and Rockhampton Regional Council.

The project is delivering an economic boost to Central Queensland with the creation of approximately 50 jobs, with local businesses also benefitting. The project is due for completion in September 2025.
 
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek:

“Before the last election, Labor committed funding to support the business case for this project. And almost three years to the day since that announcement, we’ve laid the final pipes.

“The community of Mount Morgan have lived with inadequate water for far too long.

“This project will deliver clean and reliable water for generations to come and means people can continue to call Mount Morgan home.

“But this project is about more than delivering critical water infrastructure, it’s a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term.

“Labor has invested $3.2 billion in more than 230 water infrastructure projects. The Liberals and Nationals promised 100 dams and delivered two. Only Labor will deliver on crucial water infrastructure projects for the communities, industries and environments that rely on it.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, the Hon Anthony Chisholm:

“This project is yet another example of the Albanese Government working with the State Government and Queensland’s local councils to ensure our regional communities have the water security they need to grow.

“While this summer has been a wet one, that doesn’t mean drier weather isn’t around the corner, which is why it’s more important than ever to invest in this kind of infrastructure.

“When we were elected, we promised to deliver the services that all communities need regardless of whether they’re in the cities or our regions, and that’s what we’re doing.”
 
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams:  

“This is a once in a generation project that will change the whole outlook for the Mount Morgan community.

“For far too long Mount Morgan has been constrained by the limitations of the No 7 Dam.

“That changes with this project and changes for the better.

“I want to thank our project partners in the Australian and Queensland Governments - this could not have been achieved without their investment and support.”
 
Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Flynn Helen Madell:

“This project demonstrates Labor’s commitment to building Mount Morgan’s future.

“It is creating local jobs during construction now, and a secure water supply for Mount Morgan into the future.

“I will always fight to ensure Central Queensland communities get the infrastructure we need and deserve.”

TUESDAY, 8 APRIL 2025