The works include a new bioreactor, an important part of the wastewater treatment process where microorganisms or ‘bugs’ break down wastewater to remove nutrients, as well as inlet works, improved odour control, upgraded disinfection and modernised electrical systems to boost capacity, efficiency and sustainability outcomes.
Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield said the upgrade began in May 2024 and was on track for completion by early 2027.
“Major projects like this take time and this upgrade is progressing well. The concrete walls for the new bioreactor have now been poured and hydrotested to ensure they’re watertight,” he said.
“This upgrade will increase the plant’s capacity to treat wastewater from 50,000 people to 81,000 people once it’s completed – it’s a significant upgrade for the growing communities of Narangba, Burpengary, Beachmere, Burpengary East, Deception Bay and Morayfield.
“To put that into perspective, once completed, it will have capacity to treat 14 million litres of wastewater per day – more than five Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of wastewater.
“The new bioreactor will improve the breakdown of organic pollutants and the treated wastewater will be cleaner to be returned to Caboolture River.”
Mr Basterfield said the project supported population growth in the region and formed part of the utility’s $2 billion investment over the next five years to deliver critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
Image: The walls for the new bioreactor at the Burpengary East Wastewater Treatment Plant have been erected and hydrotested. Once complete, the plant will have capacity to treat wastewater from 81,000 people.
