: News Article

River Festival the Base for a Water Education Campaign

19/07/2002

NQ Water is planning to use the Thuringowa River Festival as a base to increase water awareness.
The twin cities’ bulk water supplier is sponsoring the festival and will have displays on the management of weeds and noxious fish and an interactive demonstration of water treatment processes, as part of the activities at Pioneer Park this weekend.

The effort is to promote the fact that the public is central to the process of providing a clean bulk water supply which underwrites the urban and industrial expansion of the twin cities, said Chairman Ian Hamilton.

"Community awareness is a key part of managing the twin cities’ water resources," said Mr Hamilton.

"The Thuringowa River Festival is an opportunity for us to show how introduced weeds like Cabomba, Water Hyacinth, Salvinia and Water Lettuce impact on water quality and fish habitats.

"The noxious introduced fish species, Tilapia, will also be on display. Tilapia is present in the weirs and it is very important that it is kept out of Ross River Dam.

"We are also highlighting the five key steps to water treatment: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection, in a simulated treatment process."

NQ Water is the trading name for the Townsville-Thuringowa Water Supply Joint Board, which is a local authority.

The Board includes representatives from the Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils, which makes it accountable to the local community.

Mr Hamilton said the Board acknowledges that proper management involves engaging the community and leading the debate when it comes to environmental management and water conservation.

"We are proud to support the Thuringowa River Festival with a $20,000 grant," he said. "It focuses the community's attention on the rivers and water in general, which is our business."

"The Board is keen to promote the river as a centre of recreational activity in the twin cities and is investing in both water quality research and infrastructure to improve the amenity of the weirs.

"Ultimately, we want the public to appreciate that water is fundamental to the future of our community and needs to be conserved and consumed like any other valuable resource."

NQ Water was addressing this both at the corporate and community levels, said Mr Hamilton.
"We have recently allocated more than $33 million in grants to the Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils to promote recycling and water conservation," he said. "The results of that investment will be evident over the next decade."

"At a community level, we are developing an education campaign which will help raise awareness through the school system. This will involve more interactive events designed for different age groups.

"We'll also be looking at some innovative education measures. You never know, 'Water Boy' could become a fixture in Townsville schools."

© 2004 NQ Water