North Queensland's Future Flows Bowen Pipeline Project inches closer to approval

The approval of an underground pipeline corridor connecting Bowen with the Burdekin River is now in the final stages of Federal and State Government assessment and support, as pre-construction activities for the Bowen Pipeline Project continue to advance.
Developed by the Bowen Pipeline Company (BPC), the community led and funded Project is a 182 km underground water pipeline commencing 16km upstream from Home Hill and moving south through to Gumlu, Guthalungra, and on to Bowen.
The development of a secure, high quality and cost-effective water resource, such as the Bowen Pipeline Project, is vital in unlocking the economic potential of these regions.
The project will allow the creation of a reliable, secure water supply to an area that produces one fifth of Australia's vegetables and is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area, currently growing some $650 million of fruit and vegetables each year (over 250 million kg).  
The Bowen Pipeline Project is a community led and funded project with over 40 grower, individuals and industry investors who have to date invested some $2.5 million.
“We particularly value the commentary of local stakeholders including growers who have noted the need for increased reliable, quality water; First Nations Peoples such as the Bindal and the Juru; transport, logistics and manufacturing entities; and experienced locals who see the merits of innovative technologies developed in Australia being used more in Australia,” Bowen Pipeline Company Director Sean Brown said.
“We are very confident that the Project stacks up economically and environmentally in a sustainable way.
“The company is very proud to be the first project of this kind working towards becoming a Net Zero project in line with the Commonwealth Government’s Climate Change legislation and the State Government carbon reduction goals.
“We continue to have strong bi-partisan support as all sides of government understand how important water is for the economic sustainability and growth in our region, not only for the farming community but for the broader community in general.
“As soon as the funding milestone arrangements are achieved, construction is expected to commence 12 months later, targeting September 2025.”
The Project will provide approximately 200 jobs during construction and up to 1,200 jobs through the growth of existing and future industries when operational.
“As to our employment targets, we are seeking to employ and train as many locals in the Burdekin and Whitsunday Shire as we can,” Mr Brown said.
The $600 million project will generate significant expenditure in North Queensland.  
“Townsville, Ayr, Home Hill and Bowen will realise potential opportunities for the supply of materials, consumables and accommodation during the two years of construction, and then into operations,” Mr Brown said.
BPC’s policy will be Locals First, and we will be holding community meetings as soon as the final hurdles are finalised.
Existing available water allocations from the Burdekin Falls Dam will be secured from Sunwater and local water allocation owners.
The pipeline will generally run adjacent to the Bruce Highway, mainly on private land and unformed road reserves.  
The pipeline will transport up to 100,000 ML per year with 60,000 ML for horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture.
The pipe has been designed to allow for 40,000 ML to be supplied to the Abbot Point Green Energy Export Hub for the production of green hydrogen, ammonia and fertiliser.
“Pi R squared is amazing,” Mr Brown said.
“The initial design of 60,000 ML required a 1,600 mm pipe diameter but by increasing the pipe diameter by a hand’s width to 1,800 mm, this increased the volume supplied by over 60% to 100,000 ML.
“We have now future proofed the critical water supply to fast track and assist the Green Energy Hub to become a reality for the national and multinational companies looking to develop supply for the fast-growing Asian markets.”
To help to minimise the pipeline’s carbon footprint, the Project will use world class Australian technology for the onsite extrusion of the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in 100+ metre lengths, generating a reduction of some 5,000 B double truck movements, and reductions of over 5 million kilometres of road transport.
The longer lengths of HDPE pipe also result in 90% less welding (i.e. potential failure points) compared to steel or concrete piping, creating construction and cost efficiencies.
BPC has consulted with local horticultural and aquaculture producers as well as future green energy companies which fits in with our mandate to achieve our goal of making the project Net Zero.
All groups agree that with additional water they would materially increase production to service emerging local and rapidly growing offshore markets.
Existing cleared Class A & B Good Quality Agricultural land used for cattle grazing could be converted to high value irrigated land, increasing employment.
No flood irrigation will be permitted.  
All 15 of the major and high value rivers and creeks will be underbored to ensure the riparian zones and cultural areas are protected.
As the core value of this community led project, BPC is committed to promoting a vibrant economy whilst also maintaining a strong commitment to the local environment.

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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association President Carl Walker, Juru Elder and Chair Trevor Prior, Minister for Water Glenn Butcher, and BPC Director Sean Brown
The Bowen Pipeline Project will run from Kirknie, near Home Hill to Merinda Pump Station, near Bowen

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