Water project cost doubles BY ROBYN HOLMES
NEARLY $17 million in contracts have been awarded to bring five water supply schemes that supply the communities of Ravenshoe, Bellview, Cassowary and Millstream North and South into one scheme to improve water quality being delivered to homes. The project originally included the design and construction of a water treatment plant at the Ravenshoe reservoir site, construction of a new water main and booster pump station from Ravenshoe to Bellview and Cassowary, and construction of a new water main from Ravenshoe to Millstream North and South. But the cost of the project is much more than
the $9 million council had budgeted, which has forced the deferral of the pipeline to Bellview and Cassowary. Mayor Rod Marti said the project had “pretty much doubled in cost” since the council determined a budget for the project. “This has been a real challenge given the changing cost of delivering these projects – we budgeted quite a lot of money for this project a few years ago and we were all on track but it has pretty much doubled in price,” he said. “So, we have a very significant spend in Ravenshoe to get that water up to speed and it’s taken a lot of time and resources from officers.” Currently, water supplies from the five run-ofriver schemes are considered high-risk with the only treatment process in place being chlorination.
“As such these schemes are subject to frequent regulatory boil water notices when river water quality deteriorates to a point where the efficacy of chlorine disinfectant cannot be guaranteed,” a council report explained. “This creates significant inconvenience for the local communities and poses a potential public health risk.” Cr Annette Haydon said water quality in the area had not changed in 50 years but when Queensland Health changed the regulations in 2012, it triggered the need for frequent boil water notices. “In 2020-21, the construction of a 3.9 megalitre water reservoir helped to solve the problem of boil water notices with the 520 connections in Ravenshoe,” she said. “Unfortunately the 479 connections in the Mill-
stream area have had to endure ongoing boil water notices due to poor water quality in the Millstream. “When the project is completed, this will bring the total number of 996 properties connected to a new water treatment plant that is able to supply drinking water that meets health standards 100 per cent of the time. “Approximate 13km of pipeline will also be installed to Millstream to connect to the Ravenshoe Reservoir.” Cr Bilney described the project as TRC’s priority project which was expected to be completed late 2024. “Understanding the community angst relating to the continued boil notices is paramount - the community (needs to) understand the timelines and the scope of work being undertaken,” he said.
Major award for Tarzali treehouse TUCKED away in the rainforests of Tarzali, a boutique treehouse accommodation has scored big, taking out the Travel and Hospitality Awards Boutique Accommodation of the Year in Queensland. The Canopy Treehouse has evolved, grown and strengthened over the past 20 years and for general manager Daniel Carroll, the award is a game changer for his business and has given his staff a huge boost in confidence and pride. The international awards are a recognition program for the travel industry for the best hotels, tour operators, experience providers, spa and wellness facilities, restaurants, and technology and innovation companies across the world. After nominating for the award last year,
Mr Carroll almost forgot he entered as he began upgrades to the treehouse accommodation. “It is just one of those things when life kind of gets in the way but when I received the call saying he had won (Boutique Accommodation of the Year), I was in total shock,” he said. “It has been a huge boost in our confidence and a lift in our energy for the team to continue doing the amazing work we do. “We are proud to be touch so many people, locally and internationally, with our accommodation and to give them such a luxurious experience in our beautiful rainforest. “At the moment we are doing upgrades to the treehouses to try make give our visitors the most enjoyable experience.”
General manager Daniel Carroll, housekeepers Barbrara Pitt and Kym Shorey and our maintenance man Greg Slade are proud to be recognised at the Travel and Hospitality Awards.
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Have your say on the Bicentennial Lakes revitalisation Join Council at the final information session where you can have your say on the play and outdoor elements in the park. The final drop-in session will take place at the Bicentennial Lakes, adjacent to Mason and Hort Streets, Mareeba.
Wednesday,12 April 2023, 3pm to 6pm Can't attend? Complete the survey! Survey available online at www.msc.qld.gov.au and at Council's Customer Service Centres and Libraries.
Survey closes: Sunday, 23 April 2023 For more information, scan the below QR code or visit www.msc.qld.gov.au.
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The Express, Wednesday, April 12, 2023 PAGE 7