This week Rockhampton Regional Council has taken an important step towards better environmental outcomes for water and sewerage infrastructure through the development of a recycled water scheme.
Yesterday Councillors approved negotiations to commence with interested parties for the supply of recycled water from the North Rockhampton and South Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plants.
Recycling effluent waste and reusing it for irrigation purposes reduces the amount that is being discharged to waterways. It also reduces the demand for treated potable water for irrigation, which means less cost to those using recycled water.
This situation will benefit the parties using the recycled water, Council, and the community in general.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said this step is another reason why upgrading our water and sewerage network is essential for our community.
“This is another reason why we must continue to work to upgrade our essential water and sewerage infrastructure,” Mayor Williams said.
“We can continue to provide essential services for our community and allow our community to grow. It will also enable us to deliver better results for our community by minimising environmental impacts.
“We have been having conversations with state and federal levels of government. We will continue to have these conversations over the next few months to drive home the importance of continuing to work towards improved water and sewerage infrastructure for our region.”
Recycled water scheme to support sustainability goals
Water and Environmental Sustainability Councillor Donna Kirkland said the recycled water scheme would help Council meet its new obligations once the upgraded North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant (NRSTP) is online.
“At the moment, we are meeting our environmental requirements. However, when we expand the NRSTP, the Council will need to comply with new permits and restrictions. We are being proactive and working towards meeting these obligations now,” Cr Kirkland said.
“One of these obligations is the need to maximise effluent re-use rather than being discharged into waterways. This is why we are now looking to enter into formal agreements with parties interested in receiving recycled water.
“It is hoped that in the future we will move towards allowing more people to access the recycled water scheme. The more people are accessing this the better the outcome for the community and the environment.”
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