Bio Rentention basins; RWT and Storage

[Admin]

yes we really need to get a good handle on the viability of these systems. The main focus still appears to be on sourcing more water rather than improving demand management and better capture of storm water/rainwater. Council are looking at extracting water from the Mulgrave Aquifer and the impacts of this are really not well know and there is a potential serious risk to the Mulgrave river and its important wetlands on the coast as well as possibly increased risk of salt-water intrusion into the groundwater.

I would image communal strorage is more cost effective than everyone having a rainwater tank - I heard recently individual rainwater tanks are amongst the most expensive ways to store water.

Besides underground storage and tanks it would be great to also look at the capacity to install bio-retention basins along the coastal zone which could serve multiple purposes including off-stream water storage, improved storm water management, water filtration and sediment settlement , wildlife habitat, community recreation and freshwater aquaculture. We have lots about 80% of coastal wetlands and perhaps we can restore some of them in this way which will help address multiple problems. Because of the multiple benefits, the cost of construction and any maintainable should also be shared so the developers are not left to cover the cost which would make them more attractive to developers I'm sure.

As part of the FNQ2050 regional water strategy a number of options were analysed in relation to these issues. Shaun - ARUP did the work on this - do you know if the report is available? It is really important that water planning looks forward to the time when the cost of water is likely to be a lot higher than it is now and we really need to have this type of infrastructure put in place sooner rather than later rather than constantly having to play catch up.

John Rainbrid