PROGRESS keeps plodding on towards connecting Beaudesert to the South East Queensland Water Grid for the first time.
Seqwater is nearing completion of the South West Pipeline, a part of the Beaudesert Water Supply Upgrade which will ultimately connect Beaudesert to the grid.
The primary water source for Beaudesert is currently the Logan River, supported by releases from Maroon Dam, however Wyaralong Dam is not yet connected to the grid.
The South West Pipeline is a 24 kilometre pipeline which will connect Beaudesert to the grid, and a three kilometre pipeline to connect the Logan supply network off the corner of Bushland Road and Teviot Road to the Wyaralong Transfer Station.
In an August South West Pipeline update to residents, Project Director Damian Barlow announced final connections were completed at the Beaudesert Helen Street storages and checks undertaken at Helen Street and the Wyaralong Transfer Station.
Water Minister Glenn Butcher said it was a major step forward.
“This project ensures long-term water security for the Scenic Rim region, delivering a clean, safe and secure supply of drinking water.
“I’m pleased to see this important project supporting 100 jobs during construction.”
Seqwater Interim CEO Will Harpham said it was about bolstering water security.
“Commissioning works including the installation of the electrical and pump systems are ongoing and expected to be completed soon,” he said.
One missing piece is the proposed Wyaralong Water Treatment Plant that will draw water from Wyaralong Dam.
According to Seqwater a business case for the proposed plant is expected to be completed in 2024 and the plant will support a ‘safe, reliable and resilient’ water supply for South East Queensland into the future.
“To prepare us for the future, we have started planning for a new water treatment plant downstream from the existing Wyaralong Dam and a connection to the SEQ Water Grid as an additional drinking water source,” according to Seqwater information.
“Wyaralong Dam is the newest dam in South East Queensland, completed in 2011 in response to the Millennium Drought. Its connection to the SEQ Water Grid would assist in meeting future water demand for the growing communities in Beaudesert and southern Logan areas.”
