South East Queensland (SEQ) Water Learning Centres – What is on offer? In response to significant weather events such as drought and flood, South East Queensland has restructured its water infrastructure and the water industry has undergone structural reform. The new water entity that provides water to South East Queensland, Seqwater, is made up of a merger of the following previous entities:

• The former Seqwater, who managed and maintained SEQ’s bulk water storage, water treatment plants, purified recycled water treatment plants and desalination plant;

• Linkwater, who operated and maintained SEQ’s potable bulk water pipelines, delivering water from treatment plants to local government distribution networks; and,

• The SEQ Water Grid Manager, who was responsible for managing supply and demand across the Grid.

Seqwater cooperates with local regional councils, who supply water to customers, and are responsible for the treatment of waste water.

On-site tours Seqwater offers site tours at a number of major sites. Tours are offered at the following dams, water treatment plants (WTP) and facilities:

• North Pine Dam & Water Treatment Plant (WTP) • Wivenhoe Dam (can be visited in conjunction with Mt Crosby) • Hinze Dam (can be done in conjunction with Molendinar) • Mt Crosby Weir & West Bank (Mt Crosby) WTP • Baroon Pocket Dam and Landers Shute WTP • Banksia Beach WTP • Molendinar WTP • Leslie Harrison Dam and Capalaba WTP • Bundamba Purified Recycled Advanced WTP • Tugun Desalination Plant • Wyaralong Dam (can also include includes Bromelton Weir)

Learning experiences are offered free of charge, with transport being the only cost involved. Picnic facilities

and toilets are available at all sites.

To book, please visit http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/learning-centre/tour-booking-form

For more information, please contact:

Amy Piekkala-Fletcher

Advisor – Community Education

Phone: (07) 3035 5611

Mobile: 0417 132 648

Email: amy.piekkala-fletcher@seqwater.com.au or education@seqwater.com.au

Seqwater

Learning Centres

Site tour locations

Wivenhoe Dam Learning Centre 2470 Brisbane Valley Highway, Via Fernvale What’s on offer? Wivenhoe Dam is South East Queensland’s major water supply with a storage capacity twice that of Sydney Harbour. The dam’s Interpretive Visitor Centre features a number of educational activities, as well as a theatre for DVD presentations. We can build a tour experience based on your needs. Groups who visit Wivenhoe will also often visit the Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plant (WTP), Bundamba Purified Recycled Advanced WTP or Somerset Dam. Please let us know if you wish to make changes to the program as we are more than happy to do so. Source and Store An in-depth look at the water cycle, the catchment that feeds water into Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams and how water is stored in the dam itself. Groups are given a guided tour of the interpretive centre and view the auxiliary spillway. Please note the Spillway Lookout recreation area will remain closed until further notice due to significant infrastructure damage from the 2011 floods. Groups also learn about the wildlife in the Wivenhoe area including turtles, giant bass fish as well as the lung fish which is over 1 metre long and comes to the surface to fill its single lung. Groups learn about each creature, why they are important for the catchment, and how they act as an indicator of catchment health. Duration: half day / full day The incredible water story of South East Queensland Groups have the opportunity to view the water journey from water cycle to supply. An in-depth study of the water cycle, the catchment around the dam and storage in the dam is delivered by a Seqwater educator. Groups can then travel to Mt Crosby WTP to view the treatment process as it occurs. Duration: full day The Great Floods Groups view a documentary drama about the great floods of 1893 called “The Deluge.” It tells the story of Henry Plantagenet Somerset and his efforts to save Brisbane and surrounds from the great flood. Groups then investigate the building of Wivenhoe Dam and its benefit for flood mitigation. This tour requires a visit to both Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams. Duration: full day Interpretive Walk One of our Seqwater educators will take your group on the Interpretive Walk, which covers all aspects of the dam. Learn about local wildlife, construction of the dam, catchment health and management issues – all that goes into supplying Brisbane and the Grid with clean drinking water. Duration: half day

Mt Crosby West Bank Water Treatment Plant 328 Allawah Road, Mt Crosby What’s on offer? Mt Crosby is a major water treatment facility in the South East Queensland region. Treatment plants are located at East Bank and West Bank and are capable of producing a combined total of 900 mega litres of water daily. Tours and activities are conducted at West Bank, and discover the various processes involved in treating water to obtain Australian standard drinking water quality. Tours at Mt Crosby can be combined with a visit to the Bundamba Purified Recycled Advanced Water Treatment Plant, or a tour of Wivenhoe Dam to learn the full Source, Store, Treat and Supply story. Water treatment: from raw to drinkable! Groups tour the Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to investigate the water treatment process. They learn about the Australian drinking water guidelines and how Seqwater works to maintain a rigorous standard of water quality. Duration: half day

North Pine Dam and Water Treatment Plant

Protheroe Road, Joyner What’s on offer? North Pine Dam (Lake Samsonvale) and Water Treatment Plant located in north Brisbane is responsible for supplying water to Brisbane’s northern suburbs as well as the Moreton Bay Regional Council areas of Pine Rivers, Caboolture and Redcliffe City. Here you can see the journey of water from source, storage, treatment and supply. The catchment protects a koala population unique to north Brisbane. The lake is abundant with wildlife; from bird and reptile species to the rare and endangered lungfish. Take a walk up the 123 stairs of the water tower to experience panoramic views to Redcliffe, the bay islands and back to the D’Aguilar ranges and beyond. Visit North Pine to explore the entire water story.

A program can also be arranged that partners with Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Osprey House Environmental Centre and Kumbartcho Sanctuary Community Nursery.

Source and Store This is an in-depth look at the water cycle, the catchment of North Pine Dam and how water is stored in this dam. Groups view the dam and spillway area and are able to climb the water tower. Groups also learn about the wildlife in the North Pine area with the opportunity to peer into the spillway pond and catch a glimpse of turtles as they walk along the dam wall. With enough notice, groups can join Seqwater staff in a small tree planting exercise to assist in catchment care and preservation of the koala population. Duration: half day / full day Water treatment: from raw to drinkable! Groups tour the North Pine Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to investigate the water treatment process. They learn about the Australian drinking water guidelines and how Seqwater works to maintain a rigorous standard of water quality. Duration: half day

Baroon Pocket Dam 141 Baroon Pocket Road, Maleny What’s on offer? Baroon Pocket Dam is located on Obi Obi Creek near Maleny. The dam is the major supply for the Sunshine Coast, and is connected to the Grid through Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Special emphasis is placed on the unique nature of this catchment: five rivers and streams converge to supply the dam with water. Source and Store This is an in-depth look at the catchment of Baroon Pocket Dam and how water is stored. Groups learn about the water cycle, view the dam and surrounding catchment, and join Seqwater staff to discover the unique nature of the five small catchments that make up the overall catchment area. Groups also learn about the wildlife around the dam area along with the Indigenous history of the area. With enough notice, local indigenous representatives can also provide an insight into the history of the area. Duration: half to full day

The incredible water story of South East Queensland Groups have the opportunity to view the water journey from water cycle to treatment and supply, with an investigation into the SEQ Water Grid. An in-depth study of the catchment around the dam and storage in the dam is also part of this session. Groups can also combine this with a tour of Landers Shute WTP, to learn about the treatment process. Duration: full day

Interpretive Walk One of our Seqwater educators will take your group on the Interpretive Walk, which covers all aspects of the dam. Learn about local wildlife, construction of the dam, catchment health and management issues – all that goes into supplying the Sunshine Coast and the Grid with clean drinking water. Duration: half day

Landers Shute Advanced Water Treatment Plant 25 McKillop Road, Montville

What’s on offer?

Landers Shute Advanced Water Treatment Plant is located at Montville and supplies water to the Sunshine Coast. This treatment plant uses biologically treated carbon and ozonation in the water treatment process that provides optimum quality water.

Water treatment: from raw to drinkable! Groups tour the Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to investigate the water treatment process. They learn about the Australian drinking water guidelines and how Seqwater works to maintain a rigorous standard of water quality. Duration: half day

Banksia Beach Advanced Water Treatment Plant Heathland Street, Banksia Beach, Bribie Island

What’s on offer?

Banksia Beach advanced Water Treatment Plant is located on Bribie Island. It uniquely draws water from bore fields, treats it and supplies Bribie Island and parts of Caboolture.

Water treatment: from raw to drinkable! Groups tour the Banksia Beach Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to investigate the water treatment process. They learn about the Australian drinking water guidelines and how Seqwater works to maintain a rigorous standard of water quality. Duration: half day

Leslie Harrison Dam and Capalaba Water Treatment Plant 1a Willowie Crescent, Capalaba What’s on offer? Leslie Harrison dam and Capalaba Water Treatment Plant are located in the Redlands area and are part of the catchment of Tingalpa Creek. The area also has water supplied from aquifers on Stradbroke Island. Groups can experience this urban catchment, koala habitat, and breeding ground for water weevils that have made the job of controlling salvinia water weed easy. A visit to the dam will highlight the importance of good catchment management.

An integrated program with IndigiScapes Environmental Centre at Redlands is also possible. Please enquire if you would like to add this onto your visit. Source and Store This visit begins at IndigiScapes Environmental Centre for an in-depth look at the catchment of Tingalpa Creek. Groups can then view Leslie Harrison Dam, including the spillway and the reservoir. Local wildlife is also investigated. Duration: half day The incredible water story of South East Queensland Groups will begin at IndigiScapes Environmental Centre to learn about the water cycle and good catchment management. Groups can also take part in an environmental walk looking at Tingalpa creek catchment and the effects of the catchment on the overall environment. Groups will then travel to Leslie Harrison Dam to view the dam storage and water treatment process. Duration: full day

Water treatment: from raw to drinkable! Groups tour the Capalaba Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to investigate the water treatment process. They learn about the Australian drinking water guidelines and how Seqwater works to maintain a rigorous standard of water quality. Duration: half day

Hinze Dam Learning Centre Advancetown Road, Advancetown What’s on offer? After nearly four years under construction, Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast has reopened to the public. The $395 million Hinze Dam Stage Three upgrade saw the dam wall raised by 15 metres, doubling the dam’s capacity and providing increased water security and flood mitigation. Hinze Dam is the main water source for the Gold Coast. The dam now hosts a state of the art Interpretive Centre with custom built areas for groups. An Interpretive Walk is offered at the dam. There is also an opportunity to combine the visit to Hinze Dam with a visit to the Molendinar Water Treatment Plant. Source and Store An in-depth look at the water cycle, the catchment of Hinze Dam and how water is stored in this dam. Groups are given a guided tour of the interpretive centre and view the dam and spillway area. Groups also learn about the wildlife in the Hinze area. Groups learn about each creature, why they are important for the catchment, and how they act as an indicator of catchment health. Duration: half day The incredible water story of South East Queensland Groups have the opportunity to view the water journey from water cycle to supply. An in-depth study of the water cycle, the catchment around the dam and storage in the dam is delivered by a Seqwater educator. Groups can then travel to Molendinar Water Treatment Plant to view the treatment process as it occurs. Duration: full day

Interpretive Walk One of our Seqwater educators will take your group on the Interpretive Walk, which covers all aspects of the dam. Learn about local wildlife, construction of the dam, catchment health and management issues – all that goes into supplying the Gold Coast and the Grid with clean drinking water. Duration: half day Sharing the Waterhole Groups view a documentary which tells the local history of the Hinze Dam Catchment. It introduces the descendents of the first Europeans who settled in Advancetown, where the Hinze Dam is now situated. This is followed by stories from the descendents of the local Indigenous people, the Yugambeh People, who call the Nerang River their home. Groups then investigate the building of the Hinze Dam, and how it has changed the catchment. This activity may incorporate a visit to the The Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre in Beenleigh. Duration: half day / full day

Molendinar Water Treatment Plant 1 Jacobs Road, Molendinar

What’s on offer? Molendinar Treatment Plant located at Nerang is one of two water treatment plants that treat the water from Hinze Dam. It is recommended that a tour of Hinze Dam be combined with a tour of Molendinar Water Treatment Plant, to give group the whole Source, Store, Treat, Supply experience.

Water treatment: from raw to drinkable! Groups tour the Molendinar Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to investigate the water treatment process. They learn about the Australian drinking water guidelines and how Seqwater works to maintain a rigorous standard of water quality. Duration: half day

Wyaralong Dam 2035 Beaudesert-Boonah Road, Wyaralong What’s on offer? The Wyaralong Dam is located on the Teviot Brook, approximately 14 kilometres northwest of Beaudesert in the Logan River Catchment. Wyaralong is the newest dam in the SEQ Water Grid, completed in December 2010. It filled in 25 days due to unprecedented rain. Tours to Wyaralong Dam also include visits to the Bromelton and Cedar Grove Weirs, to allow groups to experience a microcosm look at how the SEQ Water Grid operates.

Source and Store An in-depth look at the water cycle, the catchment of Wyaralong Dam and how water is stored in this dam. Groups view the dam and spillway area. Groups also learn about the wildlife in the Wyaralong area. Groups learn about each creature, why they are important for the catchment, and how they act as an indicator of catchment health. Duration: half day / full day Interpretive Walk One of our Seqwater educators will take your group on the Interpretive Walk, which covers all aspects of the dam. Learn about local wildlife, construction of the dam, catchment health and management issues. Duration: half day The Water Grid Story Wyaralong Dam, along with the Bromelton and Cedar Grove Weirs, are providing a new source of water to South East Queensland. Groups will visit Wyaralong, followed by a visit to both the Bromelton off-storage and the Cedar Grove Weir. Groups see how water will be supplied to the SEQ Water Grid in the future, by visiting this microcosm of the Grid. Duration: full day

Bundamba Purified Recycled Water Treatment Plant Lot 142 River Road, Bundamba What’s on offer? The Western Corridor Recycled water project is the largest recycled water scheme constructed in Australia and the third largest advanced water treatment project in the world. It has the capacity to add 232 megalitres of purified water a day to the region’s supply. The project includes more than 200 kilometres of pipeline and three advanced water treatment plants at Bundamba, Gibson Island and Luggage Point. Bundamba Purified Recycled Advanced Water Treatment Plant provides purified recycled water to power stations, industrial customers and agricultural users. It will also supplement the regions’ drinking water through supplying Wivenhoe Dam, should dam levels fall to below 40%. Tours to this plant can also be combined with tours to Wivenhoe Dam or Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plant.

The purified recycled water story Groups will learn how the water at the Bundamba plant is treated through 7 stages of purification. These include the processes of reverse osmosis and the use of micro membranes to remove particles and contaminants. The session also explains the use of advanced oxidisation and ultraviolet treatment. A tour of the plant is also arranged. Duration: half day

Gold Coast Desalination Advanced Water Treatment Plant Boyd Street, Tugun What’s on offer? The Gold Coast Desalination Advanced Water Treatment Plant located at Tugun can provide up to 133 megalitres of water a day of new drinking water to residents and businesses in South East Queensland. Infrastructure includes the plant, marine intake and outlet tunnels and 25 kilometres of underground piping. The plant employs the most advanced reverse osmosis process available in the world today. The process produces drinking water by removing dissolved salts and other minerals from sea water. This is achieved by forcing salty water through a very fine membrane under immense pressure, resulting in clean, safe drinking water which is not climate dependant. A trip to this plant can be combined with a trip to Hinze Dam.

The desalinated water story This session is designed to teach groups how to make fresh water from sea water through the process of reverse osmosis. A tour of the plant provides firsthand experience of the processes involved. Background information about the SEQ Water Grid, the water cycle, catchment issues and bulk water storage is also supplied. Duration: half day

SEQ Water Grid

Learning Centres

Australian Curriculum

guidelines

For more information, please contact:

Amy Piekkala-Fletcher

Phone: (07) 3035 5611 Mobile: 0417 132 648

amy.piekkala-fletcher@seqwater.com.au or education@seqwater.com.au

To book, please visit

http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/learning-centre/tour-booking-form