Gold Coast Waterfuture Strategy Wins Australian Water Award
The Gold Coast Waterfuture Strategy was honoured with the Australian Water Association Water Environment Merit Award at the Ozwater Conference in Melbourne on Tuesday 17 March.
The Australian Water Association is the leading independent national water association of individuals and organisations interested in all aspects of the water industry.
Gold Coast Water's Director Richard Went was presented with the award that recognises environmentally significant initiatives and is one of a number of awards that Gold Coast Water has received nationally and internationally for its contribution to the water industry, the community and the environment.
Gold Coast City Council's Water Management Chair, Councillor Daphne McDonald, said that the Gold Coast City was one of the first Australian Councils to develop a strategy to ensure their water future.
"The Gold Coast Waterfuture Strategy was developed to combat severe drought and rapid population growth that place considerable demand on our city's water sources," said Cr McDonald.
"It sets a new benchmark in innovative long-term water planning for the next 50 years."
The strategy details a diverse approach to water resources and has removed the Gold Coast City's exclusive reliance on climate dependent surface water sources, emphasising an innovative approach to water conservation and reuse.
Key initiatives of the strategy include:
- pressure and leakage management;
- rainwater tanks;
- recycled water;
- water conservation;
- raising Hinze Dam; and
- desalination.
"Many of these initiatives have been brought forward and delivered years ahead of schedule. Some were also transferred over to new State Government entities as part of South East Queensland Water Reform," said Cr McDonald.
The highest accolade is that other governments and reputable authorities have used the Gold Coast Waterfuture Strategy to model their future water planning.
Gold Coast Water would like to thank the Australian Water Association and congratulate the other organisations that nominated for the award. Awards and strategies of this nature continue to promote innovation and environmental improvement in the water industry, essential in a world of climate change.
About Gold Coast Water
Gold Coast Water has been an established Directorate of Gold Coast City Council since 1995. As one of Australia's largest water and wastewater service providers, Gold Coast Water is an industry leader, shaping the future of water resource management. Gold Coast Water services over half a million residents and approximately 10.1 million visitors each year and is responsible for managing four wastewater treatment plants as well as over 5,900 kilometres of water and wastewater mains.
Famous for its sun, surf and sand, Gold Coast City stretches along 57 kilometres of coastline on the South Pacific Ocean and covers an area of 1300 square kilometres (502 square miles).
For more information on Gold Coast Water, visit http://www.goldcoastwater.com.au
SOURCE: Gold Coast Water