- $88.2 million pipeline delivering long-term water security for the Mount Morgan community after years of having to cart water from Rockhampton.
- The project has been jointly funded by the Albanese and the Crisafulli Governments, and delivers a reliable, sustainable water supply for Mount Morgan.
Long-term water security has been delivered to the Mount Morgan community with the completion of the new $88.2 million water pipeline.
The Mount Morgan Water Supply Pipeline is jointly funded between the Albanese Government through the National Water Grid Fund ($30 million), Crisafulli Government ($40.4 million) and Rockhampton Regional Council ($17.8 million).
The project delivers a sustainable solution to the town’s historic drought challenges while adding much-needed new capacity to the region’s growth areas, including Gracemere.
In 2021, prolonged drought pushed Mount Morgan’s primary water supply, the No. 7 Dam, below 10 per cent capacity, triggering level six restrictions and forcing Rockhampton Regional Council to cart water from Rockhampton.
This continued until early 2024, when dam levels recovered and carting ceased. The Queensland Government contributed $10.8 million to support these emergency efforts for the community.
The new pipeline – now operational after extensive testing and commissioning – eliminates the need for such measures, delivering a reliable treated water supply direct from Rockhampton.
Construction of the pipeline includes:
- a 28 km potable water pipeline from Gracemere to Mount Morgan;
- upgrades to the pump station at the Old Capricorn Highway;
- a new pump station and twin 3.65 megalitre reservoirs at Lucas Street, Gracemere;
- a new pump station and 500 kilolitre reservoir at Moonmera, approximately halfway along the route.
The new treated water supply will originate from the Athelstane Reservoirs in South Rockhampton, feed to the new Lucas Street Reservoirs in Gracemere, before being pumped to Moonmerra, which acts as the final booster pump station to feed water up the Mount Morgan Range to the Mount Morgan South Reservoir.
Federal Minister for Water Murray Watt said now that construction and testing is finished, the new pipeline will unlock opportunities, support local growth and give the Mount Morgan community the certainty it deserves.
“This project has been a real team effort, with the Albanese Government working closely with the Rockhampton Council, as well as the current and former Queensland governments to reach this point,” Minister Watt said.
“It represents a vote of confidence from all levels of government in the future growth of Mount Morgan and Central Queensland as a whole.”
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was delivering for Central Queensland by investing in the critical water infrastructure communities need, and the pipeline delivered the long-term water security Mount Morgan deserves.
“For years, drought placed enormous pressure on the town’s water supply, but this project provides a reliable source of safe drinking water while supporting future demand across Mount Morgan and the wider region,” Minister Leahy said.
“Projects like this are about planning for Queensland’s future, building stronger and more resilient communities, and ensuring regional Queensland has the infrastructure needed for generations to come.”
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm said he was very proud to be in Mount Morgan to celebrate this exciting milestone for the community.
“The Albanese Government has recognised the challenges this community has faced over many years, and we’ve worked closely with Council and the current and former state governments to get where we are today,” Senator Chisolm said.
“After years of carting water, this project will make a huge difference to making sure Mount Morgan locals have access to clean, safe and affordable drinking water all year around.”
State Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said Mount Morgan residents knew how tough drought was, and this pipeline provided a reliable water supply for the future.
“This $88.2 million project is delivering the certainty Mount Morgan needs while supporting growth across the region,” Mr Kelly said.
“After years of relying on emergency water carting during drought, Mount Morgan can look forward to a more secure and sustainable water supply.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said he’s been waiting for this day for a long time, but no one has been waiting longer than the Mount Morgan community.
“In 2021, we made a commitment to deliver a long-term, sustainable solution to Mount Morgan’s water insecurity, and today we’ve delivered on that promise,” Mayor Williams said.
“I’m incredibly proud to see this project complete.
“This pipeline is about so much more than water, it’s about unlocking Mount Morgan’s future and giving the community the certainty they need to grow and thrive.
“There are so many opportunities ahead for Mount Morgan, and this pipeline is helping drive that future forward.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Water Councillor Edward Oram said after years of Level 6 water restrictions and water carting we are proud this milestone project has been delivered to the Mount Morgan community.
“Water security for Mount Morgan and Gracemere, also brings security and confidence to residents, business owners and those choosing to live and invest in the region,” Cr Oram said.
Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford said as the Divisional Councillor for Mount Morgan for more than 20 years, I have long advocated for this community on their request for a permanent water supply as one of their highest priorities.”
“We thank the Mount Morgan community for their support as we worked to deliver this pipeline, and it is my absolute privilege to see this project come to fruition for our residents now and in the future,” Cr Rutherford said.
