Taps on in "milestone" move

Above: from left - Gavin Scurr of Pinata Farms, Mayer Peter Flannery, Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson and Michael Arnett, Unitywater Board Chair Michael Arnett, at the launch of Wamuran Irrigation Scheme.

Unitywater has turned on the taps in the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme which will supply five growers for crops, including pineapple, berries and turf.

CEO, Anna Jackson, said it was a milestone event for the agricultural customers access climate-independent Class A recycled water.

“Wamuran Irrigation Scheme enables local growers to better plan for business growth, contributing to local employment and investment in our region,” Ms Jackson said.

The scheme produces 2.6 gigalitres (2.6 billion litres) of recycled water each year and diverts 11 tonnes of nitrogen and 1.8 tonnes of phosphorus away from Caboolture River.

It has 22km of pipe network, land-based and floating pump stations, water storage tanks at Moodlu Quarry and a new water recycling plant.

Pinata Farms, which hosted the turning on ceremony, is one of the five foundation customers with the first food crop to be watered by it.  

“Connecting to the scheme means we can more confidently plan our annual planting and increase our crop yield,” third-generation farmer Gavin Scurr said.

“We’re farmers – we’re used to dealing with weather fluctuations, but we now have the capability to grow more as we’re not only relying on the rain and on-site water storage, like dams, to determine our seasons.”

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the scheme helped set the tone for economic development in the region for the next 10-20 years.

“This project marks the first use of recycled water for irrigating food crops in South-East Queensland,” he said.

“I commend and thank Unitywater for delivering this vital sustainable infrastructure. In the Wamuran Farming District, a reliable water supply is vital for the industry to succeed.

“This initiative also plays a crucial role in protecting our environment by reducing nutrient discharge into waterways and Caboolture River, ultimately improving our water quality.”

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said such projects show what’s possible and see how these principles can be applied to achieve sustainable outcomes”.

Ms Jackson said State Government modelling indicates droughts will increase in frequency and duration by 2059, with the most significant impacts being on “extreme drought severity”.

“Our recycled water strategy looks to harness the opportunities we have to lead the identification, scoping and delivery of recycled water opportunities,” she said.

“The strategy will guide us in delivering additional climate resilient water sources, to help address water security challenges and alleviate pressure on our drinking water supplies.”