A new, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island was officially opened today ahead of the busy summer holiday period.
A joint initiative of Redland City Council and the State Government, and designed to serve the needs of the township for the next 30 years, the new plant is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will ensure safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment for Point Lookout.
Redland Mayor Karen Williams said the $13.5 million facility had replaced an outdated plant that had been built more than 30 years ago, increasing its processing capacity to meet future peak demands while reducing odour and adhering to strict environmental conditions.
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“The new wastewater treatment plant has been designed to cater for current and projected seasonal demands and has the capacity to treat 1600 kilolitres of wastewater a day, more than twice the current peak flow over the busy Christmas period,” she said.
“It features advanced membrane bioreactor technology and produces high quality effluent through ultra-fine screening, denitrification, chemical phosphorous removal, membrane treatment and disinfection, which is essential to protect the unique island environment.
“Another important advancement is the odour control process of the new plant, a key focus of its design. There are a number of controls installed that will significantly reduce emissions.”
Cr Williams said the Point Lookout sewerage network would now be extended to more properties that currently use septic systems.
“Detailed design of the sewerage network extension is already underway, with a $5 million, three-year construction program expected to commence early in the 2017-18 financial year,” she said.
“Community engagement activities are planned for early 2017 with the goal of providing the most efficient design while minimising impact on the community.”
The new facility was jointly opened by Mr Glenn Butcher MP, Assistant Minister for Local Government and Infrastructure, who said the new plant was far more environmentally sustainable than the previous one and had been designed to meet the aspirations of the growing community.
“Wastewater at the new plant is treated through a three-stage process to ensure it meets very strict environmental licence conditions set by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection,” he said.
“This process is monitored through the Healthy Waterways initiative in south-east Queensland to ensure minimal impact on water quality and aquatic life, protecting the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island.”
Visit our website to learn more about wastewater treatment in the Redlands.
