Outback Communities Benefit From Cleaner Water Collaboration

Communities from 16 outback towns will benefit from cleaner water following a successful water main cleaning project by the Outback Regional Water Alliance (ORWA).

Initiated by ORWA – a seven-council alliance – the project received financial support from the Queensland Water Regional Alliances Program (QWRAP), funded by the Department of Energy and Water Supply (DEWS). ORWA Chair and Longreach Mayor Cr Ed Warren said this project demonstrated the Alliance’s commitment to working collectively to achieve better outcomes and value for money on water and sewerage projects in Central Western Queensland.

“This project, like all of those undertaken through the Alliance, has provided both financial savings and better water services for the communities of our region,” Cr Ed Warren said.

“We are grateful for the support of Minister Bailey and the Department of Energy and Water Supply, and hope to continue this valuable partnership to strengthen services across the region.”
Barcaldine Mayor Cr Rob Chandler agreed the collaboration of multiple organisations was proving successful.

“The partnership approach between councils, the Queensland Government, LGAQ and qldwater is benefitting communities in the region through projects like this,” Cr Chandler said.
“The ORWA is helping us to do things cheaper while continuing to provide high quality water to the Outback.”

From early November 2016 to the end of January 2017 a skilled contractor cleaned over 200km of potable water mains within six of the seven member councils. Councils that benefited from this project include Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Shire Council, Boulia Shire Council, Diamantina Shire Council, Longreach Regional Council, and Winton Shire Council. Through a shared procurement approach, the ORWA member councils saved around $75,000, and along with QWRAP funding of $32,500, resulted in a significant reduction to each council with the total project value at $266,000.

Several of the reticulation systems had considerable build-up of silt and debris, and removing this material from the pipes has provided a significant improvement in water quality. During the process water loss was minimised by using air scouring, rather than traditional mains flushing. This method achieved a higher standard of cleaning with less water wastage.

ENDS

For more information contact Neil Stiles (GBA) ORWA Regional Coordinator 4651 2177