Deputy Premier officially launches key part of Water Grid

Bundamba: Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh today officially launched the Western Corridor Recycled Water project - a key part of the Government’s South East Queensland Water Grid.

The project includes the laying of approximately 200 km of underground pipeline and construction of three advanced water treatment (AWT) plants at Bundamba, Luggage Point and Gibson Island.

“When completed, it will have the capacity to supply more than 200 megalitres of recycled water a day; around a third of Brisbane’s daily water use,” the Deputy Premier said at the launch ceremony at the site of the Bundamba AWT Plant.

“This project is very significant. In fact I have been told on completion it will be the biggest recycled water scheme in the southern hemisphere.”

The first section of pipeline, linking the Bundamba AWT Plant to the Swanbank power station is set to be completed by the middle of next year and this will have the capacity to deliver 20 mega litres a day.

By mid 2008 the scheme will have the capacity to deliver more than 90 megalitres a day to Swanbank and Tarong power stations for use in their cooling processes.

The Western Corridor Recycled Water project is planned for completion by year-end 2008.

The State Government has so far committed more than $435 million to the $1.7 billion plus project, with construction of the first advanced water treatment plant now underway.

“Contracts for Stage 1A of the AWT Plant at Bundamba, the scheme operator and the alliances for the eastern and western sections of the pipeline have all been awarded,” Ms Bligh said.

“Tenders for Bundamba Stage 1B, Luggage Point and Gibson Island AWT Plants have now all been received and work on front end engineering and design has begun.”

WCRW Project Acting Project Director, Christopher Edwards, said the selection of Veolia Water Australia Pty Ltd as the scheme operator would provide the opportunity for the project to access the latest in water technology and operational expertise from Australia and internationally.

“This is a major milestone for the project and puts us on track to provide a significant amount of recycled water for use across South East Queensland by 2008,” Mr Edwards said.

The contract involves assisting the State with the initial development of all assets and infrastructure for the project.

Veolia Water have delivered a number of significant large-scale water projects throughout Australia, and are currently involved in developing the Gold Coast desalination plant at Tugun.

Ms Bligh said that the appointment of a high-quality scheme operator was a priority for the WCRW project and demonstrates the Beattie Government’s commitment to putting vital water infrastructure in place in South East Queensland,” said Ms Bligh.

“Veolia Water has an international reputation in this field and will bring a wealth of experience to assist the government in providing a world-class scheme.”

22 November 2006
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900