Published Sunday, 03 August, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
DESALINATION STUDY COMMENCES
Premier Anna Bligh has announced the second phase of investigations into potential sites for future South East Queensland desalination plants.
The second phase will see a detailed investigation of the six future sites identified after the draft SEQ Water strategy was released for public consultation in March this year.
The draft SEQ Water Strategy indicated there will not be a need for any new water supplies in Queensland for at least twenty years but said it was important to plan for future need for desalination plants in Queensland.
“In Queensland we are building the most efficient water grid in Australia, maybe in the world, but we can’t afford to rest on our laurels, we have to plan for the future,” said Premier Anna Bligh.
The Strategy identifies six potential desalination sites at Marcoola, Kawana, Bribie Island, Lytton, North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island.
The Marcoola and Kawana sites are owned by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council while the other four sites are owned by the State Government.
Under phase two teams of environmental experts, engineers and planners will visit the sites for the forensic examination needed to fine-tune the list of six down to two or three priority sites.
“These will become the priority locations for our future desal plants,” said the Premier.
“That means if the time should come when we need to build them the process will be quicker, cheaper and more simple.
“South East Queensland has relatively few good sites available for desalination schemes so, it is essential we carefully investigate and preserve the most suitable sites now.
“This prudent approach to planning will ensure minimal impact from any future projects.”
The State Government expects to finalise the assessment of the six sites by mid-2009, based on advice from the Queensland Water Commission.
Premiers: (07) 32244500
The second phase will see a detailed investigation of the six future sites identified after the draft SEQ Water strategy was released for public consultation in March this year.
The draft SEQ Water Strategy indicated there will not be a need for any new water supplies in Queensland for at least twenty years but said it was important to plan for future need for desalination plants in Queensland.
“In Queensland we are building the most efficient water grid in Australia, maybe in the world, but we can’t afford to rest on our laurels, we have to plan for the future,” said Premier Anna Bligh.
The Strategy identifies six potential desalination sites at Marcoola, Kawana, Bribie Island, Lytton, North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island.
The Marcoola and Kawana sites are owned by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council while the other four sites are owned by the State Government.
Under phase two teams of environmental experts, engineers and planners will visit the sites for the forensic examination needed to fine-tune the list of six down to two or three priority sites.
“These will become the priority locations for our future desal plants,” said the Premier.
“That means if the time should come when we need to build them the process will be quicker, cheaper and more simple.
“South East Queensland has relatively few good sites available for desalination schemes so, it is essential we carefully investigate and preserve the most suitable sites now.
“This prudent approach to planning will ensure minimal impact from any future projects.”
The State Government expects to finalise the assessment of the six sites by mid-2009, based on advice from the Queensland Water Commission.
Premiers: (07) 32244500