Pipeline dispute leaving Qld's water supply vulnerable ...

Excerpt from ABC News:

Pipeline dispute leaving Qld's water supply vulnerable, Opposition says

3 March 2007

The Queensland Opposition says the industrial dispute over the new water pipeline has left the south-east's water supply vulnerable.

Tyco Water has a $400 million contract to make 80 per cent of the pipes for the water grid, but it is in dispute with employees over working hours.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) says the row could delay the crucial project and it wants the State Government to intervene.

Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh says the Queensland Government is aware of the matter, but it is an issue for the contractor to resolve.

She says the Government believes the parties will act in good faith and reach a solution as soon as possible.

But Liberal Leader Dr Bruce Flegg says that shows the Government is not taking the water crisis seriously.

See - SEQ water grid - timing going down the drain.

And from the Courier Mail:

Bad luck continues to plague the region with cyclones disappearing from the radar and setbacks on pipelines to keep Brisbane from running dry.

Less than 2km of the 200km Western Corridor recycled water pipeline has been laid, but it must be finished by December 2008.

And yesterday talks between Tyco and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union over a pay dispute broke down, with the union warning of delays in the project if an agreement is not reached.

The AMWU has proposed a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week roster to ensure the pipes could be made in time, however, the union said Tyco only wanted a six-day roster with reduced penalty rates.

See - SEQ water grid - we think we'll still make it.