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A new $54.88 million filtration plant has been completed at South Ayr, promising more reliable and higher-quality drinking water for Ayr, Brandon and Alva. Photos: Jacob Casha
A $50 million-plus upgrade to the Burdekin’s drinking water supply, unveiled last Thursday, has become the latest development of a years-long shift away from contaminated water sources.
The $54.88 million South Ayr Filtration Plant—funded by the Queensland Government—will deliver clean drinking water to thousands of households across Ayr, Brandon, and Alva.
The opening marked the completion of Stage 1 of the plant project, actioned following the discovery of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination detected in the town’s primary Nelsons Lagoon borefield in 2018.
Speaking at its official opening on 3rd September, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort called the facility "one of the most significant” water infrastructure projects recently undertaken in the Burdekin.
“[This plant] strengthens our water security, improves drinking water quality and ensures our communities continue to have access to safe, reliable water,” she said.
“Water is one of our most valuable resources, and this facility will play a vital role in delivering safe, treated drinking water to our community for many years to come."
The new facility will use a multi-stage filtration process to remove iron and manganese from the South Ayr borefield.
It builds on previous upgrades to the South Ayr water network, including the construction of a 10 megalitre reservoir and the installation of new production bores.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy joined councillors and locals in unveiling the facility, the former calling it a "real difference-maker."
“Our local communities of Ayr, Brandon and Alva deserve access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water, and this new filtration plant will make a real difference to the quality of our supply,” Mr Last said.
“This is a major investment in the Burdekin’s future and I’m proud to see Government delivering the essential infrastructure our community has been calling for.”
The opening ceremony also saw engineering consultants GHD and head contractor Tallai Project Group recognised for their contributions, followed by a tour of the facility.
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