Gold Coast Waterfuture Strategy - Achieving Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability

Abstract

1. ABSTRACT Traditionally, the Gold Coast has relied heavily on sourcing water supply from dams in order to meet the city's water demand. Increasing climatic change, subsequent rainfall variability and long-term drought conditions in conjunction with a rapidly growing population however, have placed significant pressure on these supplies. In response, the Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Water have developed the Waterfuture Strategy to ensure the sustainability of the city's future water supply. The Gold Coast Waterfuture (GCWF) Strategy provides a multi-pronged approach to managing water resources and achieving first-rate outcomes in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The Strategy aims to provide new bulk water supply sources whilst also improving on traditional water management and provision services. Projects undertaken as part of the Strategy include introducing rainwater tanks, recycled water systems, desalination, construction of the Southern Regional Water Pipeline (SWRP), raising of the existing Hinze dam, water conservation and demand management, and pressure and leakage management. Newly developing regions, such as the Pimpama Coomera area, provide opportunities to implement innovative ways to provide sustainable water, recycled water and wastewater services to the community as identified under the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture (PCWF) Master Plan. The Waterfuture Strategies ensure a diversity of water supply sources and innovative water resource management for securing our Waterfuture whilst achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability. 2. GOLD COAST WATERFUTURE STRATEGY OVERVIEW It is well known that Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth with the most variable rainfall. Over the past 6 years, the Gold Coast and the Southeast Queensland region has experienced two of the worst drought periods on record, which has highlighted the vulnerability of the City's water supplies during severe climatic variation. This, combined with an increasing population has emphasised the need for a more integrated approach to how we use our water.