Unitywater has announced it will be investing $1.8 billion over the next five years to increase the reliability and quality of water and wastewater services and contribute to the liveability of south-east Queensland.
Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Daniel Lambert, said the utility operates in one of the fastest growing areas in the country, and planning is taking place to meet the needs of residents and businesses.
“As we plan for the coming decades and what our future communities will look like, particularly in the lead-up to the Olympics, it’s important to consider infrastructure and projects that help enhance the liveability of our region,” Mr Lambert said.
“This funding will be critical for growth areas in Caboolture West, Morayfield, Burpengary and Narangba East, as well as Aura and Harmony on the Sunshine Coast.
“We are continuously looking for ways to reduce our operating footprint and balance investment with the challenges of a growing population, flood risk and changing weather patterns.”
Mr Lambert said the major projects taking place were a mix of pipes, pumps and treatment plants, as well as nature-based treatment and renewable energy initiatives.
“Our Aura water project will include the construction of a new water reservoir and 12km of pipeline to connect to the Ewen Maddock Water Treatment Plant, providing a new water network for Aura to meet future demand.
“The wastewater project will include the installation of a new wastewater pump station and 12.5km of new pipeline to transfer wastewater to our Kawana Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The program will also deliver an essential new water network for Harmony, including a new water reservoir at Tanawha and installation of 2.6km of new water pipeline.
“Another milestone project is the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme, which will be complete and operational by late-2024 and will provide year-round water security for a number of local farmers while reusing treated wastewater from the South Caboolture Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
Mr Lambert said he was also looking forward to the $8 million Caboolture River Nutrient Offset Project coming to life. The project is set to increase biodiversity and fish habitat while stabilising sections of riverbank.
“It will see 30,000 seedlings planted, 1.6t of nutrients offset per year, and 34t of carbon offset per year from our Burpengary East wastewater treatment plant.”
Mr Lambert said Unitywater was committed to delivering sustainable and reliable infrastructure that will improve the network’s overall reliability and ensuring that we will meet water and wastewater demand for our customers now and in the future.
“This also includes the roll out of smart water meters, which can help identify hidden leaks which has saved Unitywater customers more than $1 million on bills and 231 million litres of water over the last two years during its initial trial.”
