Dr Mike Kelly, Parl. Sec. for Water. Credit: Australia Government
By Rich Bowden:
Parliamentary Secretary for Water, Dr Mike Kelly yesterday announced Federal Government funding for a water recycling project on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The minister allocated $4.6 million for the Ridges at the Peregian Springs Climate Change Adaptive Urban Development project. The initiative comes as part of the Australian Government’s $254.8 million “National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns” program, which itself comes under the Government’s “Water for the Future” program, according to a March 9 ministerial news release.
Speaking in Coolum, Queensland, Dr Kelly said the project, which involves the reuse and recycling of wastewater, would ensure water supply in the region.
“This project will reduce demand on current water supplies for the area and will ensure greater water security for this region in the future,” he said. “Recycling wastewater which is already in the system reduces the agricultural, industrial and commercial demand on potable supplies and improves water security for local communities.”
Dr Kelly said the Government’s support of the scheme emphasised its commitment to a sustainable water future.
“The capture, treatment and reuse of urban roof water for potable purposes, together with recycling wastewater is a good example of innovation to help secure our future water supplies,” he said. “This Government is committed to enabling future sustainable developments and will continue to work towards increasing our capacity to recycle and re-use water.”
The Peregian Springs Climate Change Adaptive Urban Development project has been developed by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and expects to see reductions in the consumption of potable water of up to 94 percent.
“Recycling wastewater which is already in the system reduces the agricultural, industrial and commercial demand on potable supplies and improves water security for local communities.
“The capture, treatment and reuse of urban roof water for potable purposes, together with recycling wastewater is a good example of innovation to help secure our future water supplies. This Government is committed to enabling future sustainable developments and will continue to work towards increasing our capacity to recycle and re-use water.”
