Spit pipeline plan draws surfers’ fury

THE Gold Coast City Council is accused of being “environmentally and financially reckless” as it builds a recycled water pipeline near one of the world’s best surfing breaks.

Almost $32 million has been budgeted in the next 12 months to build the pipeline across the Broadwater, South Stradbroke Island and extending 3km out to sea.

The council maintains the pipeline to be built by John Holland Queensland will be 20m underground and further north of the surfing area known as TOS – The Other Side.

“All construction and operational aspect of recycled water are subject to strict environmental regulations and approvals by the Department of Environment and Heritage,” a council spokesperson said.

“Recycled water has been available and utilised on The Spit for establishment of vegetation and fire control for about 20 years.”

But mapping of the pipeline route released by the Bulletin has shocked surfers with many accusing the council of being secretive, pursuing redundant technology and not considering alternatives which would send the recycled water to drought-striken communities.

“Surfing at South Stradbroke Island is one of this city’s great attractions in the surfing world – why would you want to destroy it, particularly when no valid alternatives have been researched or assessed,” Save Our Spit vice president Darren Crawford said.

“The city of Gold Coast has an opportunity to be a leader in this technology in Australia by creating an industry to benefit this city based on recycled water.”

Mr Crawford said the surfing break at South Stradbroke Island was estimated in 2005 to contribute $20 million annually to the city’s bottom line.

“Why would you want to destroy one of the city’s greatest surfing assets. South Stradbroke Island is one of three sand islands on the Queensland coast,” he said.

Save Our Spit has asked the council to show how it was possible to tunnel through sand at a depth which would not damage the sand banks on the surface and destroy the quality of the wave.

The group also asked for the release of any environmental data showing the impact of the nutrient load in the Seaway from the release of recycled water from the current pipe.

Surfing identities including surf reporter and Burleigh Boardrider Terry “Tappa” Teece yesterday backed Mr Crawford’s suggestion.