Mackay water reuse scheme moves to next stage

The first of 27 storage ponds will be filled with water today as a key milestone in the development of a multi-million-dollar waste water recycling project in Mackay.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said a 50-megalitre storage pond – holding the equivalent of about 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools – would be filled as the project moved into its next stage.

“The Queensland Government has committed $43 million to this important and innovative project, with equal contributions from the Mackay City Council and the Commonwealth Government,” Mr Pitt said.

“Five of the 27 storage ponds have been completed so far, along with 2km of the 22km recycled water main.”

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the filling of the first storage pond represented a significant step.

“The Mackay water reuse scheme will allow the region to reuse effluent wastewater, secure a consistent water supply for local farms and reduce the environmental impact on the surrounding waterways,” Mr Mulherin said.

“This $130 million project is not only an important part of Mackay’s water infrastructure, but will greatly benefit the environment.

“Mackay is one of Australia’s largest sugar producing regions, and we can achieve a more sustainable sugar cane industry in the region by replacing 8500 megalitres of unsustainable groundwater use with a secure irrigation supply.”

Mr Pitt said the scheme would recycle most of Mackay’s wastewater, while protecting and rehabilitating overcommitted groundwater resources.

“This will lead to reductions in nitrogen and phosphorous levels in discharged effluent, which is great news for the environment,” he said

“The Great Barrier Reef provides habitat for marine life, including an estimated 1500 species of fish and the endangered dugong.

“The scheme will reduce the amount of waste that reaches the Reef by 250 tonnes every year, while overcommitted ground water resources at risk of seawater intrusion will be protected and rehabilitated.”

Funding for the scheme was provided under the Queensland Government’s Water and Sewerage Program, which gives assistance to local governments for water and sewerage infrastructure.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Minister Mulherin's Office 3239 3000