On Wednesday 21 October, Unitywater and City of Moreton Bay hosted the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme Farmer Showcase event for growers to learn about the scheme and irrigation opportunities, as well as hear from industry experts and farmers already connected to the scheme about how recycled water is helping secure the future of their businesses.
Unitywater CEO, Anna Jackson, said farmers from across South East Queensland and representatives from agricultural bodies attended the event to hear about the scheme, which enables beneficial reuse of recycled water from the Caboolture South Wastewater Treatment Plant to support local agriculture and reduce nutrient discharges to the Caboolture River.
“It rains a lot in South East Queensland, but unfortunately that doesn’t mean it rains where or when you want it to,” Ms Jackson said.
“The Wamuran Irrigation Scheme gives farmers the certainty of a year-round, Class A water supply,” she said.
She said the scheme represented a shift from disposal-focused wastewater management to a circular economy model.
“I’m always looking for opportunities to turn things that are considered a waste product, or that require costs for disposal, into things that can be useful in the community. This project is such a great example of that,” she said.
Ms Jackson said the reliability and consistent water quality provided by the scheme helped farmers increase productivity and make better use of agricultural land.
“We know existing farmers have been able to extend their growing season, and another grower has moved their operations from Elimbah to Wamuran as they can see the real value and benefit of the scheme to future-proof their business,” she said.
The scheme is underpinned by a Recycled Water Management Plan which confirms how treatment and monitoring processes assure the production and supply of Class A recycled water in line with the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.
“We have an extensive and rigorous testing program to get our water to Class A and it needs to pass a lot of regulation through the department as well, so we know the quality of the water going onto those crops is very high,” Ms Jackson said.
To find out more about connecting to the scheme, visit this page.
