REVEALED: The pipes a reader believes could provide critical water security from Quaids dam to Douglas shire

LETTER TO ED

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The pipe a reader believes could assist the Douglas Shire in securing a reliable water supply. Pictures: Supplied

Dear Editor,

In recent times I have noticed letters from your readers regarding the ongoing water supply Issues in the Douglas Shire, in particular, the correspondence regarding the use of Quaids Dam both in favour of the arguement of it being a future key water supply for the Shire and (others), dismissing the idea.

I finally got to ride Quaids road from the Hartleys Creek end in recent days and took photos of the 35 plus land slips and numerous examples of degradation of the asphalt section into quite large gullies from recent rainfall runoff.

I also happened to notice where a section of the side of the road has washed away and exposed a section of large diameter pvc I presume (an existing) water pipe about a foot under the surface of the south side of the road.

It is between 4km and 5.5km up from the gate near Hartley's location.

I would suggest this pipeline should be investigated and its beginning and end found, as it could be an answer to setting up a gravity fed water transport system from Quaids Dam (and into) to (the) Douglas Shire.

I am aware that there would be numerous obstacles to implementing this plan but if the infrastructure is in place and I’m suggesting it may be it should be (in my opinion) inspected and investigated further.

I would suggest to access the pipe that’s exposed you go from the Mt Molloy /Mareeba end of Quaids - I’m pretty sure Black mountain Road is gated and has a lot of debris making it impassable.

The Hartleys end is blocked by a significant amount of rocks, boulders and earth placed in front of the gate.

It’s five feet high and twenty deep. I’m not interested in an ongoing argument regarding the merits of this situation and whether the 'tea lady' approves.

I am just trying to make you aware that certain infrastructure is in place that doesn’t seem be be known to (Douglas Shire) Council that may be useful in alleviating the current water supply situation.

Kind regards,

Concerned, Port Douglas

 

  • A reminder the views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and author only and do not reflect those of the editor or Newsport staff.
The visible pipe.

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