Published Friday, 22 June, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
CONSULTATION BEGINS ON ANOTHER VITAL SEQ WATER PROJECT
Premier Peter Beattie announced today that investigations into the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector (EPI) are beginning.
The Eastern Pipeline Interconnector is a bulk water transfer network that will transport water between North Stradbroke Island and Logan City, connecting Redland Shire to Logan City, and ultimately the SEQ Water Grid.
The Premier said investigations for the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector had been brought forward as part of the Queensland Government’s emergency drought management strategy.
“This project will help provide the infrastructure needed to drought-proof South East Queensland now, and well into the future,” Mr Beattie said.
“Water is already being drawn from North Stradbroke Island for the use of all residents in the Redland Shire, and their needs will continue to take priority.
“Last week the Coordinator-General declared the pipeline a ‘project of significance’, for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required,” he said.
“This will ensure the potential environmental impacts associated with the project are fully assessed.
“When completed, the pipeline will provide up to 22 megalitres of water a day to Logan City and through the grid, to other areas of need in South East Queensland.
“Construction is expected to begin in January and be completed by December 2008.
“Approximately 200 people will be employed in the construction of the bore ground and the pipeline.
“Most of the water from the project will be used by Logan City, reducing the amount of water needed from the Brisbane network.
“The South East Queensland water grid is about giving us the ability to move water from areas of plenty, to communities in need.
“Just as we share electricity and road and transport resources, the grid will give everyone in the South East water security in the future.
“The Eastern Pipeline Interconnector project team will investigate how much additional water can be taken from North Stradbroke Island and the potential environmental consequences and supporting infrastructure required.
“The Environmental Impact Statement will be completed for the North Stradbroke Island section of the project before a decision is made as to whether to take additional water from the island.
“It will focus on key issues such as potential effects on groundwater dependent eco-systems, flora and fauna, and cultural heritage values.
“Because community involvement is an important part of the assessment process consultation with local councils, landowners, key stakeholders and the broader community will begin immediately,” Mr Beattie said.
Community Information Sessions are planned for Saturday 30 June from 10am to 1pm at the following locations.
Point Lookout Community Hall
East Coast Road
Point Lookout
North Stradbroke Island Mt Cotton Community Hall
Mt Cotton Road
(Cnr Seaview Street)
Mt Cotton
The Eastern Pipeline Interconnector project is part of the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to delivering the SEQ Water Grid and to drought-proof South East Queensland by specifying the allocations to the water infrastructure solutions for SEQ.
For more information on the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector the community can contact the project team on 1800 709 197 or via email office@srwpalliance.com.
Thursday June 21, 2007
Media contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
The Eastern Pipeline Interconnector is a bulk water transfer network that will transport water between North Stradbroke Island and Logan City, connecting Redland Shire to Logan City, and ultimately the SEQ Water Grid.
The Premier said investigations for the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector had been brought forward as part of the Queensland Government’s emergency drought management strategy.
“This project will help provide the infrastructure needed to drought-proof South East Queensland now, and well into the future,” Mr Beattie said.
“Water is already being drawn from North Stradbroke Island for the use of all residents in the Redland Shire, and their needs will continue to take priority.
“Last week the Coordinator-General declared the pipeline a ‘project of significance’, for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required,” he said.
“This will ensure the potential environmental impacts associated with the project are fully assessed.
“When completed, the pipeline will provide up to 22 megalitres of water a day to Logan City and through the grid, to other areas of need in South East Queensland.
“Construction is expected to begin in January and be completed by December 2008.
“Approximately 200 people will be employed in the construction of the bore ground and the pipeline.
“Most of the water from the project will be used by Logan City, reducing the amount of water needed from the Brisbane network.
“The South East Queensland water grid is about giving us the ability to move water from areas of plenty, to communities in need.
“Just as we share electricity and road and transport resources, the grid will give everyone in the South East water security in the future.
“The Eastern Pipeline Interconnector project team will investigate how much additional water can be taken from North Stradbroke Island and the potential environmental consequences and supporting infrastructure required.
“The Environmental Impact Statement will be completed for the North Stradbroke Island section of the project before a decision is made as to whether to take additional water from the island.
“It will focus on key issues such as potential effects on groundwater dependent eco-systems, flora and fauna, and cultural heritage values.
“Because community involvement is an important part of the assessment process consultation with local councils, landowners, key stakeholders and the broader community will begin immediately,” Mr Beattie said.
Community Information Sessions are planned for Saturday 30 June from 10am to 1pm at the following locations.
Point Lookout Community Hall
East Coast Road
Point Lookout
North Stradbroke Island Mt Cotton Community Hall
Mt Cotton Road
(Cnr Seaview Street)
Mt Cotton
The Eastern Pipeline Interconnector project is part of the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to delivering the SEQ Water Grid and to drought-proof South East Queensland by specifying the allocations to the water infrastructure solutions for SEQ.
For more information on the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector the community can contact the project team on 1800 709 197 or via email office@srwpalliance.com.
Thursday June 21, 2007
Media contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500