Artist impression. Subject to change.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Stockland Shoreline is constructing an advanced technology Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Wetlands Project at 38 Longland Road, Redland Bay.
The proposal has received approval by the Queensland Government as a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation for critical community infrastructure under the Planning Act 2016. The construction commenced in June 2023.
Shoreline is constructing an advanced technology Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Wetlands Project at 38 Longland Road, Redland Bay.
The proposal has received approval by the Queensland Government as a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation for critical community infrastructure under the Planning Act 2016. The construction commenced in June 2023.
About the Plant
A Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Wetlands at 38 Longland Road, Redland Bay
- A sustainable and innovative design that sets a new benchmark for wastewater management.
- The construction of an Advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) WWTP to treat recycled water to an extremely high standard and a secondary natural filtration system (wetlands), being the creation of a 9.8ha mangrove forest and saltmarsh habitat.
- A recycled water pipeline providing recycled water for a variety of uses including construction, parkland, landscaping and local nurseries.
- The plant will be constructed over three (3) stages and will have the capacity to treat 2.7 ML/day.
Image: Artist impression. Subject to change.
The Project Site
- A 75 hectare site. The WWTP infrastructure requires approximately 14 hectares.
- Selected for ability to provide necessary buffer zones and proximity to the Logan River. The site is within Redland City, borders Logan City to the west and is directly across the river from the City of the Gold Coast.
- Historically, subject to broadscale clearing and agriculture.
- Will be visually screened by surrounding existing cultivated and rehabilitated vegetation to reduce public view.
- Obtained Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) approval to construct the Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure
New Technology vs Traditional Approach
New Technology
- Design represents a modern recycled water management system.
- Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) process will remove at least 99.9% of pathogens prior to discharge to the wetlands.
- CSIRO says a combined system delivers fewer pathogens than conventional treatment plants in South East Queensland.
- This process along with the delivery of the mangrove wetland delivers net ecological benefit via increased habitat for fish, birds and other species, along with rehabilitation of terrestrial vegetation.
Traditional Approach
- The traditional approach would be a system that directly discharges to waters (without the wetland component).
- In this location (Southern Redland Bay) direct discharge would typically be to Moreton Bay or other waterways, like other SEQ plants.
- The wetland treatment allows a more sustainable environmental solution.
Image: Artists impression. Subect to change.
Operating the Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Wastewater first treated using a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) process to remove nutrients before being discharged into the wetland system.
- Recycled water that is surplus to irrigation and construction requirements is then discharged to the wetlands for further removal and dilution of any remaining nutrients and pathogens.
- Water then mixed with tidal river water flows before being discharged to the Logan River. Scientific assessment indicates a net improvement or non-worsening of water quality of the Logan River.
- Recycled water will be re-used, where possible, for a variety of purposes including construction, parklands, landscape planting and for use by local nurseries.
The Mangrove Forest & Wetlands
- Approximately 35,000 mangroves are proposed to be planted at commencement.
- The amount of recycled water going into the wetland system will gradually increase from start up to maximum capacity in 10 to 15 years. By this time, the freshwater and mangrove systems will be fully established and performing at peak capacity.
- Recycled water to be used to irrigate a 40ha site on Serpentine Creek Road while mangrove forest and wetlands are being established.
- Recycled water may also be used for construction, park irrigation, landscape establishment and supplied for the use of local nurseries.
The following aerial photo shows the location of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wetlands.
Source: Qld Globe 2023.
Reports
Stockland acquired ownership of Shoreline on November 29, 2024. As the below reports were published prior to this date, the previous owner's logo may appear. So as not to misrepresent the authors, the below documents are in their original published form.
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