HILL TO EXPAND WATER FLOW
A $15 million droughtproofing project that uses recycled sewage water to keep grass green in the southern suburbs will be extended north if Mayor Jenny Hill is re-elected with a majority.
The council’s recycled water re-use scheme, expected to save 15 megalitres of water being taken from the Ross River Dam a day, is being constructed, with pipe being laid in the southern suburbs along with a new hitech facility adjoining the Cleveland Bay sewage treatment plant that will turn the flow from the city’s drains into top grade non-potable water.
Townsville City Council and Sun Metals Zinc Refinery recently signed a memorandum of understanding that could see the company cover most of its daily non-potable water needs satisfied through the scheme.
Mayor Jenny Hill yesterday promised to spend $15 million more over four years to extend the project to the northern suburbs, allowing for sporting areas like Gill Park, Hugh St rugby grounds, and potentially Townsville Airport and the RAAF base, to be irrigated with recycled sewage water.
Initially the northern pipeline will pass the airport and follow Hugh St into Gill St, providing access to the rugby grounds, Gill Park, Pimlico State High School with a backup supply available for Andersen Park, which is on bore water.
“That will be the starting point, but we will also look at future opportunities to extend the supply in the northern suburbs and to any future industry that comes along,” Cr Hill said.