Recycled water network upgrade now complete

A project to upgrade and expand Bowen’s recycled water network is now complete, with new pumps at the sewage treatment plant increasing water reuse and reducing effluent discharge.

The project was supported by the Queensland Government’s $365 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.

More than $2 million of BoR funding was approved for the project and was matched by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Assistant Minister for State Development and Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, said the improved network will preserve water through increased efficiency.

“The 5.7km upgrade and expansion will ‘green and grow’ Bowen by connecting the recycled water network to Bowen’s parks and public green spaces,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“New pumps to the existing Bowen Sewerage Treatment Plant will allow the recycled water scheme to reuse a greater percentage of collected water, while effluent discharge volumes to the ocean will be reduced.”

Minister for State Development, Cameron Dick, said delivering job-creating infrastructure that improves liveability and economic conditions in the regions is a top priority of the State Government.

“More than 12 jobs were supported during the project’s construction,” Mr Dick said.

“The improved network will reduce demand on Bowen’s potable water supply, as well as reducing maintenance and operating costs for council.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Andrew Willcox, said the high-quality recycled water would be reused to irrigate and green Bowen’s parks and sporting facilities.

“This project is a fantastic innovation and a big step forward in greening and growing Bowen for future generations,” Mr Willcox said.

“The new Bowen Sewage Treatment Plant, completed in December last year, can service up to 14,000 people, so we’re preparing for the growth of the town.

“The increased production of recycled water will also lower the risks of damage to the Great Barrier Reef.”

Projects funded through BoR Round 5 will be announced in the coming months.

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