INLET “CAGE” BOUND FOR DESALINATION PLANT

The Deputy Premier and the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas today inspected the last major piece of the Tugun desalination plant, before it was loaded onto a barge to be shipped to the Gold Coast.

Mr Lucas said the half million dollar inlet “cage” is designed to make sure the marine environment is not affected.

“We’re really on the home stretch with the desalination plant now and its great to see the last major piece on its way,” said Mr Lucas.

“The plant will supply its first desalinated water in November and by mid January it will be producing enough each day for more than 700,000 people meeting Target 170.

“This is a half million dollar, 5 metre tall cage that will sit over the inlet tunnel 20 metres under the water to protect marine creatures and the natural environment around the inlet.

“Water will flow into the “cage” at a very low velocity, lower than the tidal currents, so that it will not alter the tidal flow or disturb surrounding marine life.

“Fish will be able to swim against the flow; through this structure and will not be sucked into the system.

“The “cage” will be installed in the coming weeks, when weather and surf conditions permit.

“It will be lowered to the seafloor by the 200 tonne capacity crane currently positioned on the barge and secured by a team of divers.

The $1.2 billion Gold Coast Desalination Project is now over 90 per cent complete and on schedule to reach full production of 125 megalitres a day from mid-January next year.

Last week, the hub of the diffuser for the outlet tunnel was lowered into the ocean and then fixed into position on the seafloor.

“The diffuser is designed to disperse the salt water that is discharged from the desalination plant,” said Mr Lucas.

“The hub will join onto 2 pipes on the seabed, which will discharge water along their 150 metre length.

“Computer modeling shows that within 60 metres of the diffuser pipe, the water is fully dispersed. “

Media inquiries: Matt Klar 0437 435 223