Award for Agnes Water Seventeen Seventy project

An integrated water project servicing the towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy has been recognised by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, Queensland division (IPWEAQ) for excellence in design and construction.

The Agnes Water Seventeen Seventy Integrated Water Project was awarded the IPWEAQ Excellence Award for Design and Construction of a Private/Government project over $10 million at the recent IPWEAQ State Conference.

IPWEAQ presents awards each year to encourage excellence in the innovation, development, completion and management of local government and public works projects.

The Agnes Water Seventeen Seventy Integrated Water Project was initiated by the Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) and is providing long-term water solutions for the townships by reducing reliance on local bores for drinking water.

The project was instigated in 2008 by way of a 10-year design, build and operate contract with Australian water utility TRILITY to specifically address the issue of dwindling water supplies in both towns.

“The council recognised that without a reliable, long-term potable water supply, the towns would face significant consequences for development, employment and lifestyle of local residents,” TRILITY Managing Director Francois Gouws said.

“Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the area’s tourism industry would also be affected, delivering a significant economic blow to the region.

“A fully designed and constructed solution by TRILITY was necessary for long-term water security.”

Gladstone Regional Mayor Gail Sellers said water supplies had traditionally been sourced from the area’s limited groundwater supplies.

“Without additional water resources and improved use of all existing water resources, there were concerns the supplies would be exhausted and the surrounding environment irreversibly harmed,” she said.

It was decided that constructing a desalination plant and combining it with wastewater treatment capabilities offered the best whole-of-life cost solution with minimal impact on the community and environment.

TRILITY was awarded the $40 million contract to deliver the project, which involved completing capital works and delivering ongoing operations and maintenance across the facilities.

TRILITY has also expanded the existing water supply from a desalination plant, upgraded a sewerage treatment plant and constructed a reservoir and reticulation network to provide an improved level of services for the communities.

TRILITY was also contracted to operate and maintain existing facilities and construct a new wastewater treatment plant.

“The project involved extensive environmental management and stakeholder engagement,” Cr Sellers said.

“The council and TRILITY worked cohesively to determine solutions that would minimise environmental harm during construction and operation, and a community consultation program was also implemented, eventually resulting in the generation of support and a positive image for the project.”

It’s the second accolade for the Agnes Water Seventeen Seventy project in as many months. Recently it was announced as a finalist in the Best of the Best Queensland Water Taste Test through Queensland Water.

“The water industry in Queensland has battled against natural disasters and has also faced numerous challenges surrounding changes in water regulation,” Gouws said.

“The success of this project demonstrates both TRILITY and the council’s hard work in overcoming these challenges and shows the community we work in - and work for - that we are determined to provide them with good, clean drinking water 24/7.”