Townsville's long-term water supply looks set to be secured following a pledge by the federal government to invest up to $195 million in new infrastructure.
The town currently gets its water from the Ross River Dam and this is supplemented during drought by water from the Burdekin River.
A second pipeline to the Burdekin River will ensure the town's water supply for the next 20 years.
Work will begin immediately on a business case for the project, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison says will create jobs in the region and reduce residents' cost of living.
"We are taking decisive action to secure Townsville's water supply for decades to come - nothing is more important for a growing city," Mr Morrison told the Sunday Mail.
"More water means more jobs in the short and long term."
Mr Morrison is expected to announce the project on Sunday in Townsville during his four-day trip to Queensland.
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