11 April 2008 

Queensland’s Coordinator-General Colin Jensen has accepted an alternative location for a chemical dosing plant needed for the South East Queensland Water Grid.

The organisation delivering the first stage of the Northern Pipeline Interconnector, LinkWater, now proposes to build the facility at Caloundra Street, Landsborough, instead of Nobels Road, Mooloolah Valley.

“As a result of the concerns raised by the community, LinkWater has identified another location at Landsborough,” Mr Jensen said.

“Being able to find a new site highlights how community feedback assists the Environmental Impact Statement process, and improves environmental outcomes.”

LinkWater had advised the Coordinator-General the plant was required for additional treatment of the water to ensure its quality did not deteriorate on a 47 km journey to Brisbane.

Following more than 70 public submissions about the Mooloolah Valley site, LinkWater considered alternative sites.

The pipeline interconnector will be about 100 km long and will supply up to 65 megalitres of water a day from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane. Stage one connects the Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant at Eudlo to the Morayfield reservoirs in Caboolture Shire.

Mr Jensen determined there was a significant benefit to the community from the proposed development of the facility at Landsborough. It will be on a cleared section of part of an approved industrial development.
 
“Two large buildings, a smaller building, several internal storage tanks, an access road, security fencing and upgrades to power and telecommunications would be required”, Mr Jensen said.

His report states the facility can proceed, subject to a plan to manage potential impacts associated with flooding, water quality, dust, noise and traffic.
 
The Coordinator-General’s change report is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning website.

See the Northern Pipeline Inter-connector Stage 1 project for the change report.

Media contact:  Chris Bishop +61 7 3405 3438