The Queensland Government is supporting water security in the Burdekin. It is providing a $46.88 million package to help the Burdekin Shire Council for Stage 1 of a new Water Treatment Plant in Ayr.
This funding package also supports costs associated with refurbishing South Ayr bores to supplement current drinking water supplies. It is part of an ongoing management plan following detections of PFAS in the groundwater.
Stage 1 of the new water treatment plant includes iron and manganese pre-treatment. Other stages include dual media filtration (coal on sand), disinfection, solids handling, chemical storage and dosing.
Construction of the water treatment plant is set to begin later this year. It will be commissioned and supply drinking water by 2026.
In addition, funding for ongoing technical support and groundwater monitoring and modelling of the Ayr aquifer will also be provided.
PFAS was first detected in the local groundwater in 2018. Burdekin Shire Council took immediate action to establish new bores for the town’s water supply.
To support safe and reliable drinking water, the Queensland Government has previously provided $12 million in funding to the Burdekin Shire Council for water supply infrastructure upgrades.
These works were completed in 2022. It included a 10-megalitre South Ayr Reservoir, installation of new bores and associated pumps, chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection equipment. The project also saw the construction of connecting water mains and the design of the South Ayr Water Treatment Plant.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Glenn Butcher:
“The Queensland Government is supporting the Burdekin Shire Council in delivering safe and reliable drinking water to the community now and into the future.
“Everyone knows the Burdekin is built on liquid gold, and this investment sets the community and council on a path for safe, clean and healthy water for decades to come.”
Quotes attributable to Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin:
“Council is delighted and welcomes the State Government’s announcement of financial support to deliver Stage 1 of a new water treatment plant. This project will ensure a safe, reliable source of drinking water for residents in the Ayr, Brandon and Alva communities.
“I would like to thank the State Government for their support and collaboration to provide essential infrastructure to the Burdekin Community, which will also improve water security. I look forward to seeing the benefits of this project for our region.”
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