The business case considers constructing a pipeline between the Burdekin River and the Haughton pump station to supplement water supply for Townsville. A stage 1 pipeline, between the Haughton pump station and the Ross River Dam (via the Toonpan Outlet), is currently under construction.

The business case was accepted for Infrastructure Australia's evaluation on 23 October 2019.

On 20 February 2020 Infrastructure Australia has concluded its independent evaluation of the Haughton River Pipeline Stage Two project and has determined it will not include the project on the Infrastructure Australia Priority List at this time.