Bligh Commits Millions to Protect Moreton Bay

[Black_Rat]

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt

Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Bligh Government commits millions to protect Moreton Bay
The Bligh Government will help protect Moreton Bay’s precious ecosystems by providing more than $63 million to Moreton Bay Regional Council for a major upgrade of a wastewater treatment plant.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt and Member for Murrumba Dean Wells met with Moreton Bay Regional Council today and presented mayor Cr Allan Sutherland with a cheque for $31.53 million.

He said the cheque represented the first instalment of the State Government’s total contribution of $63.06 million to the council’s upgrade of the Murrumba Downs wastewater treatment plant, a project estimated to cost $152 million.

The upgrade will improve the quality of wastewater from the existing treatment plant and will also benefit the environment and nearby residents by providing a large volume of purified recycled water for industrial reuse.

Scheduled for completion in late 2010, the facility will ensure the plant is capable of meeting the wastewater treatment needs of the area’s growing population to at least 2016.

“This funding will provide better protection to both the environment and the people of Moreton Bay by allowing the council to better treat wastewater,” Mr Pitt said.

“The project, which has been reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency, will allow the council to comply with modern environmental standards for wastewater discharge.

“When completed, the improved treatment process will reduce the nutrient load discharge into the North Pine River then, ultimately, Moreton Bay.”

Mr Wells said Moreton Bay Regional Council was facing significant pressure from population growth and, as a result, needed to increase its infrastructure investment.

“Moreton Bay Regional Council is a fast-growing area with a large influx of people moving here to take advantage of the benefits the region has to offer,” Mr Wells said.

“This means that keeping pace with the provision of services is a considerable challenge for councils.

“That is why the Bligh Government is happy to help subsidise this project, and will ultimately provide about 40 per cent of its total cost.”

Mr Wells said the project also brought enormous economic benefits to the region.

“The construction and ongoing operation of this plant will result in numerous employment opportunities for the people of the Moreton Bay Regional Council area,” he said.

Cr Sutherland said the project was being completed by the Murrumba Alliance, comprising the council, the John Holland Group, and Montgomery, Watson and Harza.

“This major upgrade will improve the quality of wastewater as the facility services the growing suburbs of Murrumba Downs, Strathpine, Lawnton, Petrie and North Lakes,” Cr Sutherland said.

“The enhanced treatment processes will also benefit our region’s waterways and bays.”

Mr Pitt said the funding had been provided through the state’s Water and Sewerage Program, which provides local governments with subsidies for the cost of essential water and sewerage infrastructure.

Media contacts:
Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Murrumba Electorate Office 3293 1069

[Chris@RedlandBay]

$63M eh.

Coincidentally, thats' exactly 10 years of superannuation for 10 politicians that have completed 8 years of 'service'.

Oh well. Back to work tomorrow I guess, gotta keep the money coming in so my taxes can keep these poor pollies fed...