MOTION TO ALGA NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2023 · Report

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                                11 APRIL 2023


effluent directly into the ocean still relevant?
And if we are ok with it, and the water quality has met recycled water quality criteria, then why aren’t
we reusing it?

In October 2022, I travelled to Cairns for the LGAQ Conference to get Wastewater Reuse on the
State's list of priorities. Upheld by almost all councils (201 for and 15 against).

We need to create a State and a water industry that supports less wasteful distribution and use of
water as well as water treatment and recycling. And that requires legislative changes and
governmental support and incentives for the utilization of reclaimed wastewater. As a State,
Queensland recycles approximately 15% of treated wastewater. In Noosa it is less than 1% of treated
wastewater that is being reused. The remainder is being dumped into our oceans and rivers, causing
environmental damage, pollution, and erosion.

According to Department of Environmental Science, that is about 290 gigalitres per annum. Treated
wastewater is an underutilised resource and it is bankable.
It is time that it is re-evaluated for its worth not only in capital costs, but full costs to councils,
community, and most importantly environment.

UNESCO has made it clear that climate change and water quality is one of the biggest threats to the
health of our environment and community.

Therefore, we need to formulate a National Policy that aims at NO new ocean and estuarine
sewerage outfalls to be built/developed along the Australian coastline, and that dedicated funding is
provided to support local regional governments and wastewater providers with existing ocean and
estuarine outfalls, to develop new methods/technologies and make every effort to recycle 100% of
all treated wastewater generated within their localities and avoid the need to discharge in the ocean.
People and Planet before Profit.
Previous Council Consideration
Nil
Finance
Nil
Risk & Opportunities
As per the report and advised by Cr Lorentson.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
As advised by Cr Lorentson.
Internal Consultation
Departments/Sections Consulted:

      Mayor                       Community Services                          Corporate Services

      Councillors                 Director                                    Director

                                  Community Development                       Financial Services

 x    Chief Executive Officer     Community Facilities                        Fleet

      Executive Support           Libraries & Galleries                       ICT

                                  Local Laws                                  Procurement