Media Statement - 14th August 2009
Western Corridor Recycled Water Pty Ltd will
receive $20 million over five years to host the National Centre of Excellence in
Water Recycling in Brisbane, Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator
Penny Wong announced today.
"As we tackle the challenges associated with climate change, the Rudd Government is committed to supporting state governments and local communities as they identify new ways to secure their urban water supplies," Senator Wong said.
"The Rudd Government is providing $1.5 billion towards new water infrastructure projects to help take the pressure of mains water supplies and provide cities and towns with alternative sources of water that are less dependent on rainfall.
"Many communities around Australia are considering new water supply options including stormwater harvesting, desalination and water recycling."
Senator Wong said establishing the National Centre of Excellence in Water Recycling would help develop and commercialise new water recycling technologies.
"Today's announcement honours an election commitment to contribute $20 million over five years to a Centre of Excellence in Water Recycling in Brisbane," Senator Wong said.
Western Corridor Recycled Water is owned by state authority WaterSecure.
WaterSecure chief executive officer, Keith Davies, said the expertise of the Centre's partners and connections with national and international academia, industry and technological providers would ensure that Australia is recognised as an international leader in water recycling research.
"Our key focus is to bring together, under one Centre of Excellence, parties from around Australia with an interest in developing and commercialising breakthrough water recycling technologies, and finding solutions to our water issues in a collaborative and pioneering environment," Mr Davies said.
"This is a great coup for South East Queensland, a region that is more than familiar with the effects of serious water shortages and water challenges."
Western Corridor Recycled Water Pty Ltd will host the centre with involvement from founding partners University of Queensland, Griffith University, University of New South Wales and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), along with industry partners including Veolia Water Australia Pty Ltd and GHD Pty Ltd.
The centre is expected to start work later this year. More information about the Centre of Excellence is available at: www.environment.gov.au/water, or by calling 1800 218 478.