March 04, 2022 | Supplier Unitywater is building a recycled water scheme that will provide year-round water security to Wamuran (AU) farmers, while sustainably managing wastewater from the Caboolture South Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
The Wamuran Irrigation Scheme (WIS) will take Class A recycled water from the STP to a number of farms for irrigation. This project ensures a sustainable future for the growing regional population and reduces the nutrient discharge into the Caboolture River. In Stage 1 alone, 11 tons of nitrogen and 1.8 tons of phosphorus will be diverted away from the river.
Unitywater Chairman Michael Arnett said the pipeline was an important investment to support population growth in the region and reinforced Unitywater’s approach to sustainable development.
Mr Arnett said the scheme was being built by the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme Joint Venture – made up of contractor Pensar and two local growers, Twin View Turf and Pinata Farms. The joint venture was awarded the design and construction contract in October 2019, following an open-market tender process.
Tailor-made solution
Pensar Managing Director Karl Yunker said the project provided local growers with climate-independent irrigation, while reducing demand on dams and creeks, and diverting discharge into local river systems. In turn, the scheme provides Unitywater with an efficient solution for water reuse and sustainable irrigation.
“We formed a joint venture with two of the main irrigators in the region so we could tailor a solution with the end user in mind – making sure that what we’re proposing, designing and delivering meets the needs of growers and ultimately Unitywater,” Mr Yunker said.
Water security is only one of the benefits
Pinata Farms Managing Director, Gavin Scurr, said the scheme would significantly benefit the region.
“The Wamuran Irrigation Scheme provides water security, potential for greater crop production, and creates employment within the local region. The whole community benefits,” he said.
Twin View Turf General Manager Lawrence Stephenson said the Wamuran Irrigation scheme was critical for water security in the region.
The scheme is expected to be operational in mid 2024.
More information is available under www.unitywater.com/wamuran
