SEQ DROUGHT INSPIRES INNOVATIVE WATER SOLUTIONS

29 July 2007

TANKERS transporting water from as far as Tasmania, huge water containers floating down from north Queensland and a range of mobile desalination plants are among proposals submitted to the Beattie Government after it called for innovative ideas to ensure south-east Queensland could cope with another severe long-term drought.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said some of the proposals received by the Queensland Water Commission are at the forefront of international innovation.

More than 30 companies approached the Queensland Water Commission after expressions of interest were called last month. Of these, nine followed through with solid proposals, six involving desalination and three transporting water.

“These are serious solutions that could offer swift response to any future drought. They are a back-up if for some unforeseen reason or catastrophic event our current responses cannot meet South East's needs.

“Our current responses – the Gold Coast Desalination Plant, Western Corridor Purified Recycled Water Project and the SEQ Grid drought elements - are tracking well.

“We are coping well at the moment and it is very unlikely we will need to use these proposals, but a prudent government always plans for contingencies,” Ms Bligh said.

“These proposals offered to government demonstrate some serious thought from well respected national and international companies.”

“Other emergency measures include very large, ship-bound, mobile desalination plants being parked in rivers or waterways. As well there are thermal-based processes supplying drinking water by evaporation or distillation," Ms Bligh said.

“Alternative solutions include supplying water from a range of rain-rich locations such as North Queensland and Tasmania.

"The proposals will be further evaluated during August,” Ms Bligh said.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900