Townsville City Council, together with its business unit, Citiwater, is relocating and upgrading its Horseshoe Bay wastewater treatment plant on Magnetic Island. The new plant will protect the ecosystems of both Magnetic Island and the surrounding World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The existing Horseshoe Bay plant is situated on the foreshore next to the Island’s only freshwater lagoon. Although it is currently underutilised, it would be unable to service projected future population levels and it will not meet future Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) standards.
With approximately 3,000 residents, Magnetic Island has a limited water supply. Decreasing rainfall in the area has meant residents have had to observe stringent water restrictions.
By moving the Horseshoe Bay plant to a new site away from the foreshore, high tourism values and a large amount of revenue generated for both State and local businesses will be protected.
Townsville’s Business Support/Relations Officer, Malou Mendoza, said there will be no ocean outfall and all treated effluent will be 100 per cent recycled.
“Effluent will be used as biosolids as fertiliser on Magnetic Island and as recycled water to irrigate the ecopark and other community and commercial sites around Horseshoe Bay,” she said. “The upgraded treatment plant site will become a recreational facility for residents and visitors to the island, providing opportunities for community education in natural history and wastewater treatment and recycling.”
Due for completion in 2008, the project includes a transitional phase of diverting treated effluent away from the existing plant to lower the short term risk of environmental harm. This has minimal additional cost, and the infrastructure will later be used in the upgraded plant.
The project received a commendation in the Asset Management category at the 2005 National Awards for Local Government.
For further information, contact Malou Mendoza on (07) 4727 8723.
