The first expressions of interest on Townsville’s $215 million Haughton Pipeline project were put out to the market over the weekend.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the expressions of interest advertised included project management, engineering and the final-stage design.

“This process will be finished by the end of the year, and successful companies that get short-listed will be asked to go to tender in January,” Cr Hill said.

“We want to provide the best opportunity for local businesses to be a part of the project, while getting good value for ratepayers.”

Cr Hill said the majority of the design work was already completed but some further work needed to be done to accommodate the oversize pipeline – which is 1.8m in diameter.

“Most of the design work is done but the larger pipe size has meant a little bit extra design work is needed,” Cr Hill said.

Cr Hill said the putting out the first expressions of interest for the water pipeline project was another key milestone.

“Council is committed to delivering the pipeline within 26 months of turning the first sod,” Cr Hill said.