“This innovative $151 million project is the largest regional water reuse scheme of its kind in Queensland and one of the biggest in the country,” Boyle said.
“It has major environmental, social and economic benefits.”
“The project protects the Great Barrier Reef from more than 250 tonnes of nutrients every year and removes the discharge of more than 7,000 mega litres per annum of effluent from the Bassett Basin Fish Habitat Area.”
Member for Mackay and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the project was a huge boost for the entire region.
“By recycling waste water Mackay Regional Council is not only protecting reef and fish habitats as well as the groundwater system it is also supporting local businesses,” Mulherin said.
“Following last year’s flooding Mackay Regional Council approached the Bligh Government for an additional $2.2 million in funding to help cover unforseen costs.”
“This includes $1.57 million to meet the cost of delays caused by the floods and $632,558 to assist council with the acquisition of land for Recycled Water Storage No. 3 which is last piece of the puzzle for the recycling project.”
The $130 million Mackay scheme received $43.34 million in Bligh Government funding with Commonwealth and council contributing the remainder.
The $21.74 million Bucasia project received Queensland Government funding of more than $13 million.
