Gold Coast residents are set to benefit from more than $2.1 million in direct environmental improvements, including better water quality and a significant upgrade to the city's sewerage network.
The improvements come after the state's environmental regulator secured a significant enforcement decision following its investigation into the impact of the Albert River sewage spill.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the City of Gold Coast Council have today agreed to an enforceable undertaking.
An enforceable undertaking is an enforcement tool under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 that sets out actions that must be carried out to remedy any environmental harm, prevent further occurrences and address non-compliance issues to ensure compliance with the Act and enhance the protection of the environment.
The enforceable undertaking requires Council to carry out environmental restoration works across the Albert and Logan River estuaries, as well as vital improvements to its aging sewerage infrastructure including enhanced leak detection systems and monitoring of the network.
This enforceable undertaking is one of the largest environmental enforcement decisions ever handed down in Queensland.
DESI launched an investigation into the cause and extent of environmental harm after more than 450 million litres of sewage spilled into the Albert River between January and April this year following the failure of a council pipe in Yatala.
The department's investigation determined Council had caused significant environmental impact by unlawfully releasing contaminates to waters.
When considering appropriate enforcement action, DESI determined the community would be best served by ensuring ratepayer monies remained in the local community rather than Council bearing the costs of a prosecution and ultimately any penalty imposed.
Key requirements of the enforceable undertaking include:
- A $1.1M project to remove weeds and plant native vegetation at August Burrow Park, Alberton that will improve the condition of the wetlands, improve water quality, provide better habitat connectivity and improve the biodiversity and resilience of the ecosystem
- A $120,000 project to remove weeds and plant native vegetation at Halls Road Nature Reserve, Luscombe
- A more than $1M project to design and implement an enhanced sewer network monitoring project that will significantly reduce the risk of future sewage spills
- The provision of high value scientific data to DESI and industry
- Substantial improvements to infrastructure management systems and processes including condition assessments of all high-risk infrastructure.
Following the spill, the department has been satisfied with Council's response to the incident, cooperation in our investigation, and its commitment to fully implement the recommendations from its own independent investigation into the cause of the spill.
Quotes attributable to Brad Wirth, Executive Director, Industry Development and South East Compliance, DESI:
"We are committed to the protection of Queensland's environment and will take strong action to protect our natural assets.
"When considering our enforcement options, the decision to accept an enforceable undertaking rather than a lengthy prosecution means the Gold Coast community will directly benefit from the enforcement action.
"This is a great outcome for the people of the Gold Coast as it means the money will be invested locally, will result in the enhancement of their natural environment, and will build the resilience of Council's essential sewerage infrastructure.
"We will be closely monitoring Council's compliance. There are strong penalties that can apply if Council fails to comply with the requirements of the enforceable undertaking."
