$30 MILLION PUMPS SECURE WATER FOR SUNSHINE COAST

The Queensland Government will spend $30 million on extra pumps for the Northern Pipeline Interconnector to supply the Sunshine Coast as part of the SEQ Water Grid.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the pumps will allow water to be pumped north though the Northern Pipeline Interconnector, providing added security for the Sunshine Coast.

“These pumps will provide water to the Sunshine Coast when it is in need,” said Mr Lucas.

“The Sunshine Coast will enjoy the same secure water supply as people across South East Queensland, thanks to our Water Grid.

“These pumps will be in place by the time Stage 2 of the Northern Pipeline Interconnector, from Landers Shute to Noosa, is finished at the end of 2011.

“This pipeline will be able to supply up to 65 million litres of water a day into the Sunshine Coast water supply system.

“It will also mean water to be transfered within the Sunshine Coast for the first time, providing extra local security.

“There is currently no interconnection between the supply sources for Noosa, and those for Caloundra and Maroochy – and there have been severe localised droughts in recent times.

“While Noosa and the northern parts of the Sunshine Coast are in good shape now as long as they get regular rain – as the drought of 2002 showed, Borumba Dam and Lake MacDonald can empty very quickly.

“The National Party have consistently opposed this pipeline, would they simply let the Sunshine Coast run dry if there is a repeat of the 2002 drought?

“Past analysis by the Sunshine Coast council indicated Caloundra and Maroochy were expected to require new supplies by as early as 2012.

“Stage 1 of the Northern Pipeline Interconnector from Morayfield to Landers Shute is already complete, to provide water south when needed.”

Mr Lucas also announced the Queensland Water Commission is now providing the Sunshine Coast with a clear understanding of how transfers will occur until Stage 2 of the Northern Pipeline Interconnector is complete.

“Water will only be transferred from the Sunshine Coast system when the storage level of the Caloundra and Maroochy system remains above 70% of capacity,” said Mr Lucas.

“If the 70% trigger is reached transfers south from the Northern Pipeline Interconnector will stop.”

The key operating principles, including the 70% trigger for the cessation of southern transfers, will be legally enshrined in the System Operating Plan, which is made by the Queensland Water Commission under the Water Act 2000 and binds the SEQ Water Grid Manager in its operation of the Grid.

Media contact: Matthew Klar 0437 435 223 or Robert Hoge 0419 757 868