Published Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
MOU MARKS SMART APPROACH TO WATER RESEARCH
The Beattie Government’s continuing work to secure a sustainable water supply for South East Queensland was strengthened today with the launch of a $50 million research alliance that could more than double the water recycling capacity of Australia’s capital cities.
Premier Peter Beattie said the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Queensland Government, the CSIRO, the University of Queensland and Griffith University had created the Urban Water Security Research Alliance.
“The Government is investing $25 million in this five year alliance, which will be the largest urban water research program in Australia and could more than double the water recycling capacity of Australia’s capital cities,” Mr Beattie said.
“This work will make a significant contribution to securing a sustainable water supply for SEQ in the face of climate change and population and economic growth.
“It will look at best-practice engagement and management of recycling and help develop a coordinated system of water management for SEQ, by addressing the total water cycle from upstream catchments to Moreton Bay.
“In the short term, the Alliance’s goal is to build reliability and safety in recycled water systems providing up to 90 GL per annum to South East Queensland.
“In the long term, the Alliance will work towards delivering water security by recycling wastewater and stormwater through the innovative treatment, storage and use of aquifers to provide up to 20 percent of the total water supply.
“These highly reputable institutions will share ideas and information and work with agencies such as the International WaterCentre, Healthy Waterways and the Queensland Water Commission’s expert panel to get smarter outcomes for Queensland’s water future.”
Mr Beattie said the operational activities of the Alliance would be managed by a management committee of seven members.
“The Committee will include an independent Chair, two Queensland Government and CSIRO representatives and a representative from Griffith University and the University of Queensland,” he said.
Mr Beattie said the CSIRO would also employ a Program Director to manage the day-to-day activities of the Research and Development Program, with the officer to be hosted by the Queensland Water Commission.
“This Alliance will take Queensland to a world-class level in this field of research and is a clear indication of our determination to address the growing challenge of water supply.”
Media contact: 3224 4500
Premier Peter Beattie said the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Queensland Government, the CSIRO, the University of Queensland and Griffith University had created the Urban Water Security Research Alliance.
“The Government is investing $25 million in this five year alliance, which will be the largest urban water research program in Australia and could more than double the water recycling capacity of Australia’s capital cities,” Mr Beattie said.
“This work will make a significant contribution to securing a sustainable water supply for SEQ in the face of climate change and population and economic growth.
“It will look at best-practice engagement and management of recycling and help develop a coordinated system of water management for SEQ, by addressing the total water cycle from upstream catchments to Moreton Bay.
“In the short term, the Alliance’s goal is to build reliability and safety in recycled water systems providing up to 90 GL per annum to South East Queensland.
“In the long term, the Alliance will work towards delivering water security by recycling wastewater and stormwater through the innovative treatment, storage and use of aquifers to provide up to 20 percent of the total water supply.
“These highly reputable institutions will share ideas and information and work with agencies such as the International WaterCentre, Healthy Waterways and the Queensland Water Commission’s expert panel to get smarter outcomes for Queensland’s water future.”
Mr Beattie said the operational activities of the Alliance would be managed by a management committee of seven members.
“The Committee will include an independent Chair, two Queensland Government and CSIRO representatives and a representative from Griffith University and the University of Queensland,” he said.
Mr Beattie said the CSIRO would also employ a Program Director to manage the day-to-day activities of the Research and Development Program, with the officer to be hosted by the Queensland Water Commission.
“This Alliance will take Queensland to a world-class level in this field of research and is a clear indication of our determination to address the growing challenge of water supply.”
Media contact: 3224 4500