To mark completion of the scheme’s distribution network, Unitywater, City of Moreton Bay and Queensland Government leaders toured the operations of Wamuran Irrigation Scheme foundation customer Twin View Turf, which is testing the new distribution pipe network with water sourced from nearby Moodlu Quarry.
Following commissioning of final elements of the scheme’s new treatment plant and a period of testing to prove its recycled water consistently meets quality and safety requirements, a wider group of farmers will have access to up to 2.6 gigalitres of Class A recycled water each year.
Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson CEO said the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme, which began being constructed in February 2022, demonstrates how smart and integrated approaches to water management can deliver multiple sustainable outcomes.
“Everyone wins from more productive use of recycled water,” said Anna.
“With year-round access to more than 1,051 Olympic swimming pools worth of high-quality water, farmers reduce their exposure to weather and climate change, as they grow turf, raspberries, strawberries, and avocados.
“Having a reliable and sustainable water supply also means farmers can plan to grow their businesses with confidence, which is good for local employment and flows on to money being spent and retained within the local economy.
"Using this recycled water for primary production instead of returning it back to a waterway is also a great outcome for the natural environment, with 11 tonnes of nitrogen and 1.8 tonnes of phosphorus to be diverted away from the Caboolture River system annually.”
Gavin Scurr, Managing Director at Piñata Farms, will be one of the farmers to receive water from the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme and says that the support will mean a more secure future for farmers with an unprecedented ability to plan for the future.
“I cannot overstate the significance of having access to reliable, sustainable water all year round for Queensland farmers; it's a game-changer for our agricultural community and monumental step towards a more sustainable and secure future for Queensland agriculture,” said Gavin.
“This initiative not only secures our water supply but also provides a lifeline during unpredictable weather conditions and potential droughts.
“With this scheme in place, we can plan for the future and ensure the consistent growth of our crops.”
Before it reaches farmers like Gavin, wastewater collected at Unitywater’s Caboolture South Wastewater Treatment Plant passes through traditional and advanced treatment processes, before being disinfected and tested to ensure a Class A standard.
The recycled water will be transferred via a 10km pipeline to Moodlu Quarry, where it will be stored before being pumped from a floating pump station and distributed through a further 12km network of pipes to farm gates to meet seasonal and crop demand.
As the Recycled Water Management Plan is reviewed by regulators, water produced by the new water recycling facility will be used to irrigate turf, ahead of full supply to the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme’s foundation customers for minimally processed food crops in late 2024.
