The Cleaner Seas Initiative

Cairns Regional Council is required to meet certain standards of wastewater treatment at its six wastewater plants. These standards are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They have traditionally been to a "secondary" standard (effluent to meet specified limits of chemical and biological parameters)

The Queensland Government recently adopted a Costal Management Strategy which requires all coastal councils to upgrade the standard of effluent dischared into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. This upgrading is required to reduce levels of phosphorous and nitrogen in the effluent. The Queensland Government is encouraging Councils to particpipate in the strategy by offering a 40% subsidy towards all capital works.

Qld State Gov't Coastal Management Plan - Section 2.4 Water Quality (click to view)

For Cairns to participate in the strategy, it will require $120 million to be expended over the next 20 years at the six wastewater plants. Cairns Regional Council wishes to particpate in the strategy in order to improve the quality of our seas. A partnership is proposed between Council and the Cairns community to improve the quality of effluent produced by the wastewater plants and contribute to a sustainable environment.

THE CLEANER SEAS ALLIANCE PROJECT (click here for more details)

Web Site: www.cleanerseas.com.au

$10.70 per rate notice per residential property (ie: $21.40 per year) are placed in a separate trust account for Wastewater Plant Upgrading.