: Recent Initiatives

Some of the initiatives that have recently been completed or are currently being undertaken include:

• Completion of a Strategic Business Plan
  This includes a detailed financial plan and key performance indicators relating to commercial considerations, as well as addressing steps that will need to be taken to ensure quality water resources are available as the Townsville and Thuringowa population expands.
• ISO Certification for the Environmental Management System
  NQ Water’s Environmental Management System has been audited for Certification under ISO 14000. Certification approval has been approved, and NQ Water is now only the second government body to achieve this behind the Gold Coast City Council.
• Lake Paluma Recreational Plan
  Recognising the need to protect water quality while meeting the needs of visitors to Lake Paluma, the Lake Paluma Recreational Plan was completed and approved in late 1999. This caters to the high visitor numbers to the lake, more than 10,000 a year, and a range of infrastructure improvements will be introduced in the new financial year.
  Implementation of this plan is being undertaken in cooperation with Queensland Park s & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Wet Tropics Management Authority and traditional owners.
  In addition, a full time ranger and part time ranger have been appointed to supervise Lake Paluma. These rangers will support the community by working for Queensland Parks and Wildlife for two days (in total) a week.
• Ross River Users Group
  The Ross River Users Group was established by NQ Water with representation from both Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils and representatives of a wide range of community groups. The aim is to allow equitable access to Ross River. An additional Ranger is to be employed to promote safety on Ross River Dam and implement NQ Water’s by-laws.
• Douglas Water Treatment Plant Model 3
  A $9.5 million upgrade for the Douglas Water Treatment Plant and provision of greater pumping power at the plant’s Ross River Dam pump station has been approved. The handling capacity of the plant has increased from a previous maximum 152 megalitres of treated water daily, to a new maximum of 232 megalitres per day, at a rate of 3000 litres per second.
• Water Quality and Catchment Management Plan
  Professional consultants are currently completing a Water Quality and Catchment Management Plan. This recognises NQ Water’s duty of care and will be completed this financial year.
• Risk Assessment of Ross River Dam and Lake Paluma
  In addition, a Risk Assessment of Ross River Dam and Lake Paluma is due for completion at the end of April.
• Commercialisation
  In line with the National Competition Policy and the Council of Australia Government, NQ Water has undertaken to be fully prepared to commence operations on a commercial basis from 1 July 2000.

© 2004 NQ Water