Preparations are underway to bolster South East Queenslanders’ water security to cater for the region’s growing population.
An innovative pilot water treatment plant is under construction downstream of Wyaralong Dam, a key project to enable the dam to be connected to the SEQ Water Grid as outlined in the Water Security Program 2023.
Construction works are being undertaken by Enviropacific Services and the project is generating 5 jobs.
Located near the Cedar Grove Weir, approximately 20 kilometres downstream of Wyaralong Dam, the pilot plant will test and validate water treatment processes that are tailored to the catchment’s water characteristics.
The plant has been designed to treat water from Wyaralong Dam which flows to the Cedar Grove Weir via the Teviot Brook and the Logan River.
Once fully operational, the pilot plant will provide valuable water quality data to enable the design of the future Wyaralong Water Treatment Plant which will connect to the South West Pipeline.
South West Pipeline.
Findings from the pilot plant will inform the design and treatment process adopted through the permanent plant, for which a detailed business case is underway and due to be finalised in 2024.
The $95 million South West Pipeline, which will connect Beaudesert to the SEQ Water Grid, is now 90 per cent complete. Supporting 100 jobs during construction, the 27- kilometre pipeline has been successfully hydrotested and is expected to be fully operational in early 2024.
In addition to connecting Wyaralong Dam to the SEQ Water Grid, the Water Security Program 2023 commits to undertaking a Detailed Business Case to expand the Tugun Desalination Plant on the Gold Coast. A Detailed Business Case is also under way for a proposed northern Desalination Plant, which is expected to be needed by 2035.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
“The Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job of delivering water security for the South-East.
“Connecting Wyaralong Dam to the SEQ Water Grid is a key feature of the Water Security Program, with the proposed new water treatment plant to connect to the South West Pipeline.
“We have a long-term plan to deliver water security to meet South East Queensland’s growing population. The Palaszczuk Government has a proven track record of delivering the infrastructure communities need to grow and thrive.
“It’s fantastic to see the South West Pipeline almost complete and Seqwater well underway with their preparations to ultimately connect Wyaralong Dam to the grid to meet future demand.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Logan, Linus Power:
“The pilot plant taking shape shows we are getting on with the job of water security for this growing region.
“Connecting Wyaralong to the grid is a major part of better water security.
“This is an exciting step towards enhancing long-term water security for the region, including for Logan’s Flagstone and Yarrabilba, some of the fastest growing residential areas in the State.
“This investment is also supporting the local economy with a number of local businesses engaged in the delivery of the project.”
Quotes attributable to Seqwater CEO, Neil Brennan:
“Testing these treatment processes will ensure design requirements for the Wyaralong
Water Treatment Plant are optimized prior to design and construction of the permanent
Water Treatment Plant are optimized prior to design and construction of the permanent
plant.
“This pilot project could also benefit other water treatment plants as innovative techniques are being studied and applied.
“We look forward to updating the community as the project progresses.”
