Redland City Council (QLD) has announced that construction on a $12.8 million, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant on North Stradbroke Island will commence before the end of the year.
Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams, said Downer Tenix had been awarded the contract to design and construct the new wastewater treatment plant on the site of the existing plant at Tramican Street, Point Lookout.
“Having built a number of similar wastewater treatment plants in coastal locations with fluctuating seasonal populations, including the Whitsundays and Bega, Downer Tenix are well-placed to manage this project,” she said.
“Detailed design is now underway, with construction expected to commence in November this year and the project completed by early 2017.”
Cr Williams said technology had improved considerably since the original plant was built and the new plant would protect the island’s unique environment through its high quality wastewater treatment methods and improved odour control.
“The existing wastewater treatment plant at Point Lookout was built more than 30 years ago and no longer meets the needs of the community, particularly during the peak tourism season,” she said.
“Council has undertaken extensive environmental and engineering modelling, as well as consultation with the key stakeholders to determine the best location, treatment option and wastewater disposal method for the new plant.
“One of the key considerations in the plant design is odour control; we are committed to ensuring odour nuisances are mitigated for the community.
“The new plant will use Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, proven technology that will provide the best outcome for residents and the environment in terms of the quality of effluent treatment, the operation and maintenance of the plant and minimal odour for neighbouring residences.
“As well as the environmental benefits, the new plant will provide economic benefits during construction and support seasonal population changes well into the future.”
Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Craig Ogilvie said six pump stations at Point Lookout had been upgraded in the past six months to improve their reliability and performance in preparation for the new treatment plant, which will have capacity to meet expected future sewerage connections.
“In addition to being more reliable and environmentally friendly than the current plant, the new plant will also allow the Point Lookout sewerage system to be expanded in the future, which is a huge benefit to residents still on septic,” he said.
