New tanks bolster Beaudesert water supply

Work is now complete on two concrete reservoirs at the Beaudesert Water Treatment Plant, bolstering water supply and security for the Scenic Rim town.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the 8.5 metre tanks would provide an additional 5 million litres of drinking water supply for households and businesses.

“Queensland has an economic plan for recovery and reliable water supply and security for all Queenslanders is central to that plan,” Dr Lynham said.

“As the population and economy of Beaudesert grows, the demand for essential services like water grows with it.

“Increasing water supply and reliability will support the continued growth of the area and create local jobs.

 “The reservoirs provide about 10 times more storage capacity at the plant, improving the reliability of water supply during maintenance works, peak demand and other network shortages.”

The new reservoirs, delivered at a cost of $8.4 million, took 12 months to complete and supported 29 jobs during construction.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said the reservoirs would also act as an insurance policy by enabling a source of local supply during poor raw water quality events.

“The varying water quality in the Logan River means the Beaudesert Water Treatment Plant is sometimes shut down temporarily until the raw water quality improves. In the past, Seqwater has carted water from other areas to maintain supply,” Mr Brennan said.

“Recent upgrades to the plant, including additional filters and improved chemical dosing systems, together with the new tanks, increases the plant’s capability of treating poor raw water, reduces the need for temporary shut downs and improves supply security.”

The reservoirs are part of the long-term water supply security plan for Beaudesert, which will also include a new bulk water pipeline and water treatment plant once they are built.

The 27 km pipeline, announced earlier this year, will connect the two reservoirs at the existing Beaudesert Water Treatment Plant - and to the SEQ Water Grid – from 2022.

Since 2017 the Palaszczuk Government have committed $1.2 billion to water infrastructure across this state, supporting almost 2300 jobs in regional Queensland.

This includes:

• $176 million for Rookwood Weir
• $410 million for the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project (Stage 1 & 2) in Townsville and sealing a $24 million deal for the next stage of assessment for the proposed Hells Gates Dam. 
• a $16.5 million contribution to modernising an existing open channel irrigation scheme on the Atherton Tablelands.
• $13.6 million to kick start the new Emu Swamp Dam.

For more information visit https://www.seqwater.com.au/project/beaudesert-water-supply-upgrade.

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Media inquiries:  Michael Saunders – 0428 411 617