The new $13 million wastewater treatment plant at Point Lookout has received a major boost with the State Government contributing more than $3.3 million towards the crucial piece of community infrastructure.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had been successful in receiving funding through the 2015-16 Local Government Grants and Support Program.
“Scheduled for commissioning in late 2016, this upgrade is an important community project – coming at a time where the island is transitioning from sand mining,” she said.
“The new plant replaces ageing infrastructure and will provide many social, economic and environmental benefits to the community.
“It will not only provide direct and indirect economic benefits to the community during construction, but allow Council to progress its plans to extend the township’s sewerage network.
“We know there have been issues with the existing plant’s ability to cope with peak holiday times, so it’s wonderful to see this upgrade underway.
“We are grateful for the support the project has received to allow this to happen, particularly from the State Government and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.”
The design of the new wastewater treatment plant allows for seasonal changes in wastewater flow and future growth as more properties are able to move from septic systems.
Using membrane bioreactor technology, the plant will have strict odour controls and capacity to treat 1600 kilolitres of wastewater a day, more than twice the current highest flow of 700 kilolitres a day that the township experiences in its busiest peak holiday season.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the State Government recognised the important place improved infrastructure held in the island’s future.
“Our Government has committed to helping the North Stradbroke Island economy transition successfully to the end of sand mining,” she said.
“This will include a focus on eco-friendly tourism, but we first need to ensure that the island has adequate infrastructure in place to allow this to happen.
“The Point Lookout Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade will see a 30-year-old facility replaced with a state-of-the-art plant that will meet the needs of the community for decades to come.”
The Point Lookout Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade is a joint initiative of the Redland City Council and the State Government. Details of the project are available from wastewater.redland.qld.gov.au/point-lookout, where residents can also subscribe for updates about the project as it progresses.