Canungra is one of 16 off-grid communities not connected to the SEQ Water Grid or to a substantial dam. Canungra is a ‘run-of-river’ scheme, which means water is pumped directly from Canungra Creek to the Canungra Water Treatment Plant (WTP). There is no dam along the river to hold water and store it for later use. Levels in Canungra Creek can change quickly due to factors like rainfall, residential and non-residential demand, as well as upstream irrigation usage.

To improve water supply reliability, and prepare for population growth, Seqwater is investigating options for additional water supply.

Various options have been assessed, including providing a connection to the SEQ Water Grid, sourcing additional water from either Hinze Dam or the Coomera River, and an off-stream storage. Seqwater considered a range of factors in its early assessments, including water quality, water security and operability, cost, location and environmental, social and cultural heritage impacts.

Based on early assessments, Seqwater has selected an off-stream storage as the preferred option to improve long-term water security for Canungra. However, a raw water pipeline from the Coomera River will also be explored further in the next stage of investigations.

The investigations completed to date, for both options, have predominantly been desktop. On-the-ground investigations are an important step to ensure we collect all possible information so we can move forward with the right option for Canungra.

A preferred option is expected to be finalised in 2025.

Seqwater is currently undertaking investigations to finalise the preferred option. Once the investigations are complete, and a preferred option is confirmed, more information on project timings will be provided.

Seqwater is currently undertaking investigations to finalise the preferred option. There will be minimal impacts to the community or environment during the investigation works.  

Once a preferred option is confirmed, more information will be provided regarding project impacts. It is expected that neighbours to the site will experience some impacts when construction work commences, including short-term traffic disruptions, dust and noise. Seqwater is committed to keeping residents updated as planning progresses.

Seqwater and local water service provider, Urban Utilities, work together to enact the Canungra Drought Response Plan when required. Canungra’s Drought Response Plan uses triggers (based on creek levels) and associated responses to ensure water supply is maintained.

The Drought Response Plan gives clear instructions on how to operate the water treatment plant, manage demand, communicate with the community and provide alternative supplies based on a range of security factors.

The town water supply is an essential resource for the community and processes are in place to maintain the supply for as long as possible during times of low flows. If Canungra Creek stops flowing and the WTP is taken offline, town supplies are assured as Seqwater will tanker drinking water to Canungra to maintain supply.

Despite the challenges associated with predicting and managing drought events in Canungra, Seqwater and Urban Utilities have maintained water supply to the community.

Similar to water security planning for the entire South East Queensland region, no single option, such as demand management, off-stream storage or stormwater harvesting, on their own is the answer to managing water security for Canungra. Climate change means severe droughts and floods are more likely to be experienced, which is why it’s important to start planning now, to ensure we’re well prepared for the future. 

Tankering water to off-grid communities is planned for under the Drought Response Plan and is part of a suite of initiatives used to maintain supply.

Seqwater and Urban Utilities responded to feedback from residents regarding tankering and road congestion on Appel Street in 2019, and changed operations, so tankers can now top up the water tank at the Canungra Water Treatment Plant on Lamington National Park Road instead.

We know the Canungra community values water security and we recognise that the planning phase has taken some time. It’s important we get the planning right to deliver the best option for Canungra.   

Water security planning is a complex process, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we progress the short-listed options. On-the-ground investigations are underway to ensure we collect all possible information so we can move forward with the right option for Canungra.

We understand the community is interested in the details of the project and Seqwater is committed to keeping residents updated as planning progresses.