NORTH STRADBROKE WATER GRID PROJECT ON HOLD
Published Friday, 12 October, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
October 11, 2007
Premier Anna Bligh has instructed the Department of Infrastructure to accelerate investigations into alternatives to a drought-response project that would increase the amount of drinking water taken out of North Stradbroke Island aquifer.
Ms Bligh said that as part of the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector, the project would take an extra 22 megalitres of water a day from North Stradbroke and pump it through an existing pipeline to Redlands and into the South East Queensland Water Grid.
But the latest scientific assessment confirms the drought-hit aquifer is less full than expected and taking more water could risk long-term damage. Further detailed assessment would put the project six months behind schedule.
“Today I have received the latest progress report on the North Stradbroke project which casts doubt on its viability,” she said
“Accordingly, I have instructed that the full Environmental Impact Study process be placed on hold while alternatives are urgently explored.
"The project is becoming more marginal by the day. The fragile environment of North Stradbroke Island is too important to take a chance and it is increasingly likely it is a chance we don’t have to take.
“If there is a viable alternative, then I will take it.”
Ms Bligh said business case studies into two alternative projects were well advanced. The Government announced in July it was using cost-savings on the Gold Coast Desalination Plant to fund an investigation into boosting daily capacity by 47 million litres a day to 172Ml/d.
Another study was being conducted into connecting the Logan Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Western Corridor Recycled Water Program, which would provide another 36Ml of drinking water a day.
“Both of these projects would deliver far more water than the Stradbroke project would have without jeopardising the environment,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh said the State Government had made good on its promise to listen to the concerns of island residents and had been lobbied by Member for Cleveland, Phil Weightman.
Media contact: Premier's office 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh has instructed the Department of Infrastructure to accelerate investigations into alternatives to a drought-response project that would increase the amount of drinking water taken out of North Stradbroke Island aquifer.
Ms Bligh said that as part of the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector, the project would take an extra 22 megalitres of water a day from North Stradbroke and pump it through an existing pipeline to Redlands and into the South East Queensland Water Grid.
But the latest scientific assessment confirms the drought-hit aquifer is less full than expected and taking more water could risk long-term damage. Further detailed assessment would put the project six months behind schedule.
“Today I have received the latest progress report on the North Stradbroke project which casts doubt on its viability,” she said
“Accordingly, I have instructed that the full Environmental Impact Study process be placed on hold while alternatives are urgently explored.
"The project is becoming more marginal by the day. The fragile environment of North Stradbroke Island is too important to take a chance and it is increasingly likely it is a chance we don’t have to take.
“If there is a viable alternative, then I will take it.”
Ms Bligh said business case studies into two alternative projects were well advanced. The Government announced in July it was using cost-savings on the Gold Coast Desalination Plant to fund an investigation into boosting daily capacity by 47 million litres a day to 172Ml/d.
Another study was being conducted into connecting the Logan Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Western Corridor Recycled Water Program, which would provide another 36Ml of drinking water a day.
“Both of these projects would deliver far more water than the Stradbroke project would have without jeopardising the environment,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh said the State Government had made good on its promise to listen to the concerns of island residents and had been lobbied by Member for Cleveland, Phil Weightman.
Media contact: Premier's office 3224 4500