Queensland Urban Utilities demonstrates ongoing commitment to healthy waterways

Queensland Urban Utilities CEO Louise Dudley has welcomed the release of the Healthy Waterways 2012 Ecosystem Report Card, the results of which were generally positive.

“In the majority of freshwater catchments in Queensland Urban Utilities’ service area, water quality has either remained stable or improved,” Dudley said.

“It is encouraging to see the health of water in the bays has also improved, especially in Moreton Bay.”

Commending Queensland Urban Utilities for its commitment to waterway health, Healthy Waterways CEO Dr Peter Schneider said sewage treatment upgrade works completed by Queensland Urban Utilities over the past two years have clearly contributed to the improving condition of Moreton Bay.

One such project was Queensland Urban Utilities’ $7.2 million upgrade of the Canungra Sewage Treatment Plant, which was fully commissioned in April this year.

Upgrade works included the installation of an innovative new sewage treatment system, which significantly minimises the impact of discharges into the receiving waterway.

Dudley said: “As a result of this upgrade project, Queensland Urban Utilities was the proud recipient of the Industry Award at this year’s Healthy Waterways Awards.

“More importantly, this investment is bringing benefits to the local community as well as the environment.”

The Healthy Waterways award category was open to industry sectors such as manufacturing, commerce and development groups for projects aimed at improving the management of water or the state of waterways.

Dudley said: “While we have seen an improvement in waterway health this year, Queensland Urban Utilities will continue to invest in sewerage infrastructure moving forward.

“In 2012-13, we have committed $201 million to upgrade our sewerage network. This investment underscores our commitment to sustained healthy waterways in our service delivery region.”

More information on the Healthy Waterways Report Card results can be found here.