Fraser Coast Water Grid - Integrating Learnings for a Wider Queensland Proposal

Abstract

Queensland’s diverse climate faces severe climate adversity. Against the backdrop of global warming, the state faces increasingly sparse water provision - despite underutilisation of water supply. Queensland is as reliant upon its tropical characteristics as it is inefficient at exploiting those conditions. Such issues were faced in the Fraser Coast and the construction of a water-grid provides a simple and effective solution. Combined with an adaptive approach that utilises technological climate-resistant methods, the learnings from the Fraser Coast Water Grid (FCWG) can act as a benchmark for Queensland. Modelling showed Hervey Bay’s water supply was going to run below the required Level of Service by 2026. In an era where climate change has been quintessentially perceived as tomorrow’s problem, the study highlighted the urgency of required action. After feasibility studies were compiled, the solution was a water grid operating between Maryborough and Hervey Bay. A simple, bidirectional pipeline that can supply water dependent upon real-time supply and demand at both locations. The FCWG aligns with the recommendations from the Bradfield Regional Assessment Developmental Panel report. It is widely appreciated that regional towns face a greater struggle in water supply than urban centres; Northern Queensland inherently constitutes regional towns and thus the challenges associated with water supply are particularly prevalent. The issue is not supply, Queensland’s underutilisation of water highlighting both its availability and the need for improved infrastructure for its redistribution. The FCWG provides a regional solution to this regional problem - the essence of the panel recommended mini-grid scheme. Key learnings should be extracted from the FCWG when considering further water grids. Cost-benefit analysis’, optioneering and exhaustive risk assessments were undertaken during concept design. Ultimately, economics was ultimately found to be the main driver during design development. For example, while construction through vegetated, undeveloped private land reduces the risk of easement interference with existing assets, the cost of buying freehold land and vegetation clearance was perceived to outweigh coherent collaboration with utility providers in shared corridors of alignment. Importantly, these design factors and processes could be streamlined and standardised for future water grids. It is worth noting Northern Queensland exhibits unique issues which are not as prevalent in south-east Queensland. The tropical climate exhibits short, intense rainfall bursts that are difficult to capture while the warm, humid climate means evaporation is rife within detention basins. However, technological advances and improved understanding exists. For example, improved vegetation management in tropical catchments reduces run-off speed while the use of monolayers in detention basin can reduce evaporation levels. Driven by learnings from the FCWG, a proposal of mini-grids which incorporates technological advances and improved catchment management presents a collaborative solution to Northern Queensland’s water provision problem.