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re: *** ozwater *** Australia TradeCoast shows national leadership in water strategy
10/5/2005

QUEENSLAND's fastest growing industrial and logistics hub, Australia TradeCoast, will lead Australia in water conservation with the unveiling of a highly innovative plan to integrate the use of potable and reclaimed water.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the Australia TradeCoast Water Management Plan was the largest initiative of this nature for an industrial area in Australia.

"This water management plan will ensure long-term water security and a competitive edge for businesses in Australia TradeCoast," Cr Newman said.

Cr Newman said the plan was the result of a Water Optimisation Strategy commissioned by Australia TradeCoast, as part of several studies being undertaken to determine infrastructure priorities for the next 20 years. The study was carried out by Brisbane Water, which will also implement the works.

"Australia TradeCoast is the most viable location in Brisbane to introduce an intensive water re-use scheme because it has South East Queensland’s largest wastewater treatment plant within its boundaries," Cr Newman said.

"It’s ideal for the cost-effective implementation of ‘dual reticulation’ – a system which offers both potable and recycled water to industries that are large consumers of water."

"The benefits for industry are lower costs and guaranteed sources of water with known price paths for the future. At the same time, the plan is great for the environment – saving potable water and protecting Moreton Bay," Cr Newman said.

Cr Newman said the Australia TradeCoast’s water management plan would be a critical element in its first strategic infrastructure plan expected to be completed later this year.

The Water Optimisation Strategy is in line with other sustainable development initiatives by Australia TradeCoast, and presents scenarios of water network and treatment technologies based on existing and future industry needs analysis.

South East Queensland is one of the highest growth areas in the country, with an expected population increase of nearly one million people by the year 2026, which will significantly increase demand for water resources in the region.

Australia TradeCoast Acting Chairman Jeff Coleman believes the plan’s recommendations offer a strategic way forward for Brisbane’s most important industrial area at a time when water supply is a significant national issue.

"The integrated water plan provides a beneficial strategy for the current and future water supply requirements of Australia TradeCoast."

Key features of the water strategy include:

Working with existing and future customers to reduce peaks in water supply and minimise future infrastructure costs;
Making available a supply of non-drinking water at a price and quality attractive to industry as an alternative to potable water; and
Minimisation of the construction of new potable water infrastructure