Fraser Coast Water Grid

Project summary

The Fraser Coast Water Grid Project will connect the Hervey Bay and Maryborough water supply networks through a new two-way pipeline, helping improve water security and reliability across the region.

The project will allow drinking water to be transferred between Maryborough and Hervey Bay during periods of high demand, maintenance works, emergencies or unexpected outages. It will also help support future housing, industry and economic growth across the Fraser Coast.

The project forms part of Council’s long-term planning to ensure the Fraser Coast has a secure, reliable and affordable water supply into the future.

What’s happening

The project includes construction of:

  • A new 25-kilometre underground pipeline between the Boys Avenue reservoirs in Maryborough and the Burgowan Water Treatment Plant;
  • A new pump station and disinfection facilities at the Boys Avenue reservoirs site; and
  • A new pump station at the Burgowan Water Treatment Plant.

The pipeline will initially be able to transfer up to 15 megalitres of treated water per day between the two networks, with the ability to increase capacity to 40 megalitres per day in the future if needed.

Why is the project needed?

The Fraser Coast is continuing to grow, increasing demand on essential infrastructure and services, including water supply.

Connecting the Hervey Bay and Maryborough water networks will:

  • Improve water security across the region;
  • Strengthen drought and climate resilience;
  • Improve reliability during maintenance, equipment failures, natural disasters or other disruptions;
  • Provide greater flexibility to manage water demand across the region; and
  • Support future housing and economic growth.

The project also aligns with Council’s Fraser Coast Water Supply Security Strategy, which identifies priority infrastructure needed to support the region’s future water needs.

Project status

Fraser Coast Regional Council approved the project business case in December 2024.

WSP Australia has been engaged to deliver the project design and is currently progressing detailed design work.

This includes specifications for supplying materials and constructing the pipeline, pump stations and associated electrical works.

Project cost

The current estimated project cost is approximately $101 million.

Council will continue advocating for Australian and Queensland Government funding support for this significant regional infrastructure project to help reduce the cost impact on local ratepayers.

Indicative timeline

  • March 2026: Approvals process begins
  • June 2026: Detailed design completed
  • Early 2027: Tender process begins
  • Mid 2027: Construction expected to commence
  • Mid 2029: Project expected to be completed

Map and further information

A map of the proposed pipeline route and additional project information is available in the project fact sheet below.

Fact Sheet(PDF, 783KB)

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