Published Monday, 21 May, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
$11.78 million to kick-start industry water recycling
21 May 2007
Joint statement
Deputy Premier, Lord Mayor and Local Government Minister
Caltex’s Lytton oil refinery will be the first major industrial operation in Queensland to commence large-scale use of recycled water, thanks to an $11.78 million State Government incentive.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh today announced the funding package for Brisbane City Council to upgrade its Wynnum Wastewater Plant so treated recycled water can be piped to the Caltex refinery.
Ms Bligh said the project would result in significant savings in potable water consumption at the site.
“This project will enable Caltex to reduce consumption of Wivenhoe Dam water at the refinery by 4.5 Megalitres a day by replacing it with recycled water from the Wynnum plant,” Ms Bligh said.
“The ongoing drought has placed a huge burden on the State’s water supplies and we cannot afford to continue the large-scale use of our drinking water for industrial purposes.
“It’s good to see that industry is serious about saving water. Caltex is Brisbane’s second-largest user of water and will use the recycled water in the refinery’s cooling towers and boilers.
“This initiative is a very positive step forward in helping to conserve our precious drinking water supply in South East Queensland.”
“With Level 5 water restrictions now in effect throughout South East Queensland, residents are doing their bit to conserve water, so it’s pleasing to see industry step up and embrace the large-scale use of recycled water,” Ms Bligh said.
“I would hope to see other big business follow the lead of Caltex and investigate potential options for reducing their reliance on our drinking water supplies.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman thanked the State Government for its financial contribution to the $35 million upgrade of the Wynnum Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
Cr Newman said he was committed to working with the State Government to ensure greater water security for our future generations.
“The Wynnum Water Reclamation project is a great example of the State Government and Brisbane City Council working together to deliver smart and efficient ways to get through this water crisis, as well as provide a long-term alternative water source for one of Brisbane’s major water users. This will also reduce the amount of treated wastewater discharged into Moreton Bay,” Cr Newman said.
“Brisbane City Council is committed to creating opportunities for businesses to change their practices and incorporate the use of alternative water sources, including recycled water. This project will replace the use of drinking water with recycled A+ water for the Caltex Petroleum refinery.”
Cr Newman said the supply of Class A+ water to Caltex required the construction of a microfiltration and reverse osmosis plant.
Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser said the $11.78 million allocation to Brisbane City Council represented 35 per cent of the total eligible project costs and had been provided through the Government’s Water and Sewerage Program.
“The Beattie Government is working hard to secure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Queensland and since 1998 has provided $777 million in funding to local councils to boost water and sewerage infrastructure throughout the State.”
Brisbane City Council has contracted the Brisbane Water Enviro Alliance (BWEA) to carry out this work.
Media Contacts: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 4379
Lord Mayor’s Office 3403 4832
Joint statement
Deputy Premier, Lord Mayor and Local Government Minister
Caltex’s Lytton oil refinery will be the first major industrial operation in Queensland to commence large-scale use of recycled water, thanks to an $11.78 million State Government incentive.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh today announced the funding package for Brisbane City Council to upgrade its Wynnum Wastewater Plant so treated recycled water can be piped to the Caltex refinery.
Ms Bligh said the project would result in significant savings in potable water consumption at the site.
“This project will enable Caltex to reduce consumption of Wivenhoe Dam water at the refinery by 4.5 Megalitres a day by replacing it with recycled water from the Wynnum plant,” Ms Bligh said.
“The ongoing drought has placed a huge burden on the State’s water supplies and we cannot afford to continue the large-scale use of our drinking water for industrial purposes.
“It’s good to see that industry is serious about saving water. Caltex is Brisbane’s second-largest user of water and will use the recycled water in the refinery’s cooling towers and boilers.
“This initiative is a very positive step forward in helping to conserve our precious drinking water supply in South East Queensland.”
“With Level 5 water restrictions now in effect throughout South East Queensland, residents are doing their bit to conserve water, so it’s pleasing to see industry step up and embrace the large-scale use of recycled water,” Ms Bligh said.
“I would hope to see other big business follow the lead of Caltex and investigate potential options for reducing their reliance on our drinking water supplies.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman thanked the State Government for its financial contribution to the $35 million upgrade of the Wynnum Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
Cr Newman said he was committed to working with the State Government to ensure greater water security for our future generations.
“The Wynnum Water Reclamation project is a great example of the State Government and Brisbane City Council working together to deliver smart and efficient ways to get through this water crisis, as well as provide a long-term alternative water source for one of Brisbane’s major water users. This will also reduce the amount of treated wastewater discharged into Moreton Bay,” Cr Newman said.
“Brisbane City Council is committed to creating opportunities for businesses to change their practices and incorporate the use of alternative water sources, including recycled water. This project will replace the use of drinking water with recycled A+ water for the Caltex Petroleum refinery.”
Cr Newman said the supply of Class A+ water to Caltex required the construction of a microfiltration and reverse osmosis plant.
Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser said the $11.78 million allocation to Brisbane City Council represented 35 per cent of the total eligible project costs and had been provided through the Government’s Water and Sewerage Program.
“The Beattie Government is working hard to secure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Queensland and since 1998 has provided $777 million in funding to local councils to boost water and sewerage infrastructure throughout the State.”
Brisbane City Council has contracted the Brisbane Water Enviro Alliance (BWEA) to carry out this work.
Media Contacts: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 4379
Lord Mayor’s Office 3403 4832