Reef wins in sewage project
IT'S brown, it stinks and we all contribute but it is something we don't want to talk about.
That is unless, of course, you have an interest in Cairns’ sewerage capacity and what is politely known as the Cleaner Seas Project.
Cairns Mayor Val Schier and water boss Bruce Gardiner yesterday showed off the significant progress being made in the $188 million project that will increase capacity and the quality of the water produced in the city’s four major sewage treatment plants.
Mr Gardiner said the end quality of the treated sewage, which will be used for gardening and toilet flushing in new Cairns estates, would be as good as some towns’ drinking water.
The water, which technically will be clean enough to use in washing machines, is also destined for industrial use, flushing the airport’s toilets and watering golf courses and the botanic gardens at Edge Hill.
Asked what would happen if a child or pet drank the treated water, Mr Gardiner said it would be "class A" quality as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency.
"But we wouldn’t recommend drinking it because something could get through, but dogs certainly wouldn’t have a problem with it," he said.
Cr Schier said it was important people knew about the project as most people did not think about where their waste went after they flushed the toilet.
"It is one of the things people will get used to in the future that we will be using recycled water," she said.
"There are lots of applications."
Cr Schier said it was important to note the treated water that will now go out to the Reef would have far less nutrients and be environmentally friendly.
Reef and Rainforest Research Centre managing director Sheriden Morris gave the project a green thumbs up.
"This is an excellent step forward, it is a real leadership role for Cairns Regional Council," she said.
"Many other councils up and down the coast would benefit from what they are doing here, particularly in terms of the Great Barrier Reef."
Share this article
It’s a treat: EPA’s Rob Lawrence with Mayor Val Schier, Cairns Water’s Bruce Gardiner and Reef and Rainforest Research Centre’s Sheriden Morris at the water treatment plant.
School hit by firebugs
ANGRY students branded the alleged firebugs who caused $1.5 million worth of damage to their school science block as "thoughtless" and "imbecilic". more

Alleged bash victim dies
BREAKING NEWS: A 35-year-old man on life support at Cairns Base Hospital after allegedly being bashed by two brothers at a Bentley Park club has died after his family made the heart-breaking decision to turn the system off overnight. more
Migaloo's back in our waters
A GROUP of fishermen are certain they have scored the season's first white whale sighting near Yorkey's Knob.
more
Premier gives van go brush-off
WICKED Campers has hit back at censure by the national advertising watchdog and the state's Premier with a cheeky invitation. more
Busk-off revitalises Macleod's quarters
JAMES Djamarra Macleod hopes to keep his G string sitting firmly in place and in tune when he takes part in Cairns' first busking competition in September. more




