Next stage of water grid falls into place

Pipe-laying will start by the end of the month on the next stage of the State Government’s $9 billion South East Queensland water grid, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas, said today.

Mr Lucas said the Coordinator-General had given the green light for work on stage one of the Northern Pipeline Interconnector, with appropriate safeguards put in place.

“This is another vital component of the water grid that will help drought proof South East Queensland,” Mr Lucas said.

“Pipe-laying will start by the end of the month. We will monitor the progress of works closely and I look forward to inspecting works on-site.

“It’s clear evidence we’re getting on with the job.

“The Coordinator-General has evaluated the environmental impact statement for stage one of the pipeline, which is the result of detailed geotechnical investigations and community consultation. He has formally determined that the project can proceed.

“Early works, such as the relocation of services, are now underway.”

The Northern Pipeline Interconnector will carry water for 47km from the Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant on the Sunshine Coast to the Morayfield Reservoirs in Caboolture Shire.

“In addition to supporting the emergency drought provisions, the new pipeline will have the capacity to move surplus water to support demand from growing residential suburbs,” Mr Lucas said.

“When completed, the pipeline will be about 100km long, with the capacity to transport 65 megalitres of potable drinking water every day, between Sunshine Coast water supplies and the SEQ Water Grid.

“Given the critical need for this infrastructure, the State Government has required that this project is complete by the end of December, 2008.

“This process will underpin the water security for 276,000 people living on the Sunshine Coast, and will build certainty for everyone in south east Queensland.

“I’m also pleased to say that the pipeline project has required only two full property resumptions – one vacant block and one residence, with negotiations to purchase that residence well advanced.

“The project requires that easements be taken out on a further 294 properties. Of these, 216 are already the subject of existing easements, given that the route wherever possible follows an existing power line easement. Assessors are already on site working out compensation payments for affected landowners.”

Stage one of the pipeline is being built by the government-owned LinkWater, previously known as the Southern Regional Water Pipeline Company. Stage one is expected to cost around $300 million.

Coordinator-General, Colin Jensen, said he had recommended 15 safeguards to minimise the project’s impacts.

“This project, like every construction project, will have some impact on the surrounding community and environment,” Mr Jensen said.

“In making my determination I considered the project’s environmental impact statement and revised environmental impact statement, LinkWater’s environmental management plan, and issues raised by government agencies and members of the community.

“The safeguards recommended in the report are designed to make sure that the environmental and social impacts are managed during construction of the project.”

The 15 recommendations made relate to land use; soil erosion; vegetation clearing; waterway crossings; air quality; noise and vibration; traffic; waste management; and social and economic factors.

The Coordinator-General’s Report on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Northern Pipeline Interconnector Stage 1 will be available from tomorrow on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning’s website, at www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au

Media inquiries

Deputy Premier’s office: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868
Coordinator-General’s office: Mark Strong 0417 767 436