The first 500 pipes have been delivered from the Iplex manufacturing hub in Adelaide to Townsville for Stage 2 of the Haughton water pipeline project.

Three more shipments are due to deliver the remaining lengths of 1.8m-diameter pipe, which will be installed across 28.5km of land to connect stage one of the Haughton pipeline to a new pump station next to the Burdekin River near Clare.

Stage 2 is being built at a cost of $274 million and is expected to generate 300 jobs.

“Seeing the first shipment of pipes arrive in Townsville is a significant milestone and is one step closer to achieving the level of water security needed for our rapidly growing population,” Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said.

Iplex Australia general manager Paul Lavelle said Stage 2 of the pipeline project supported more than 30 direct and indirect jobs throughout the region.

“During Stage 1 of the Haughton pipeline project, over $2 million in purchases were made in the Townsville area through our subcontractors,” he said.

“The delivery today signals the return of further investment in the Townsville region.”

The Stage 2 work is funded by the Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.