SEQ grid - crucial equipment only just ordered ...

... oops we forgot to order that.

Excerpt from the Courier Mail:

Water plant delay fears

3 May 2007

A central plank in the State Government's strategy to save southeast Queensland from running dry could be at risk of running over time.

The Government plans to deliver 145 million litres of treated wastewater a day into Wivenhoe Dam, but it emerged yesterday orders have only recently been placed for a crucial component.

The hi-tech membranes, which filter ultra-fine contaminants from wastewater, are taking up to two years to deliver to some treatment plants interstate and overseas because of the massive global demand.
...

However, Tweed Shire Council, in northern NSW, has still not received membranes for its water treatment plant despite placing an order in 2005.

Tweed water engineer Anthony Burnham said the components were "scarce as hen's teeth".
...

The statement went on to claim the Government and its partners were "in constant contact with membrane suppliers/manufacturers" and that "production capacity for these components has been secured".

However, the Government's water infrastructure consultants, Evans and Peck, stated in a recent report projects like the Western Corridor scheme normally took five to seven years.
...

Opposition Leader Jeff Seeney said the unrealistic completion date would increase the chance of errors.

"I can't find anything like it built in the world in this timeframe. It is less than half the time required," he said.