Innovative Wastewater Project For Darling Downs ...

Election press release from the Beattie Government in 2004

No mention of wanting Toowoomba people to drink recycled sewage.

Government
Premier & Trade
The Hon. Peter Beattie MP

29 January 2004

TOOWOOMBA: A re-elected Beattie Government will provide $11 million to fund an innovative waste water project for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, Premier Peter Beattie announced today.

"The Wetalla Wastewater Project will provide a significant economic boost for industry, mining and horticulture in the region through increased production and jobs growth," the Premier said.

"We will work in partnership with the Toowoomba City Council to upgrade the existing Wetalla Wastewater Treatment Plant."

"We will significantly increase the capacity of the nine-kilometre pipeline to the proposed Charlton Wellcamp Industrial estate so that recycled wastewater is available to industry."

This will guarantee sufficient quantities of water for industrial applications and pave the way for new industry and new jobs.

It will also set the stage for a partnership with private industry to extend the pipeline a further 40 kilometres to the Acland Coal mine.

This would underpin a significant increase in coal production while providing terrific benefits to growers along the pipeline route.

"The project has great all-round benefits and the environment will also be a winner because the salt and nutrient flow into Gowrie Creek and on into the Murray Darling Basin will be reduced."

It is innovative and exciting and will harness the potential of the region while contributing to the health of the Murray-Darling Basin."

Mr Beattie said his Government was committed to supporting Queensland Councils to improve the efficiency of their Water and Sewerage Treatment Plants.

"Since 1998 my government has provided more than $84 million on waste water treatment plants throughout Queensland," he said.

"If re-elected we will further invest in the treatment of water and sewerage to ensure protection of the environment and sustainable development are brought together for the benefit of the whole community."