$18 million centre could hold answers to State's water future

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
27/11/2009
$18 million centre could hold answers to State's water future
 
Queensland researchers seeking better ways to manage our water supplies and provide safe drinking water to a growing population now have world-class facilities at their doorstep with the opening of an $18 million research centre on the Gold Coast.

Opening The Smart Water Research Centre at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus today, Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said the centre would help Queensland plan for the future.

"Water is the lifeblood of every community and being able to guarantee its supply and its reliability is paramount," he said.

"With water restrictions now a way of life for many Queenslanders, we have a greater appreciation of our finite water resources and the need to look at better ways to manage them.

"This Government is committed to securing water supplies to sustain our State's growing population, and this centre is an important step in achieving that goal."

The State Government has provided $10 million for the centre through its Innovation Building Fund, with Griffith University and the Gold Coast City Council contributing $4 million each to its construction.

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the centre will bring together experts from academia, industry and water authorities who will work to develop solutions and new technologies to help guarantee future water supplies.

"Research and testing at the centre will focus on sustainable water supplies, safe drinking water, better water management and policy solutions as well as the use of alternative water sources," Mr Lawlor said.

"Gold Coast Water's Scientific Services will also take up laboratory space in the facility, providing a direct link between research and industry practice.

"This centre will provide a great opportunity for students to work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside researchers and industry experts - taking projects from concept through to research stage and ultimately commercially-viable products."

The Smart Water Research Centre boasts labs, distillation rooms, a social science resource centre and outdoor facilities such as constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.

Griffith University's partners in the project include the Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland, the International Water Centre, Wide Bay Water Corporation and Aqua Diagnostic.