The Gold Coast Desalination Plant is an important climate-independent water source for South East Queensland. Unlike most water sources within the Grid, the plant doesn’t rely on rainfall and water production can ramp up at short notice and be pumped directly into the SEQ Water Grid.

The plant provides resilience and operational flexibility to supplement supply during times of peak demand, drought preparedness, flooding, as well as during system maintenance. 

In line with our Water Security Program, Seqwater is currently exploring opportunities to get the most out of the SEQ Water Grid and existing assets, by investigating the expansion of the Gold Coast Desalination Plant.

The proposed project is progressing through the business case stages, with important early enabling works to continue planning for the long-term water security project.

We are now progressing earthworks, procurement planning and site preparation works. We are also further refining the project’s design, capacity and timing for delivery. 

South East Queensland’s population is set to grow, putting greater demand on existing water supply assets. Through the known impacts of climate change, we can also expect less reliable supply from our dams.

The next major enhancement of the SEQ Water Grid is likely to be required by around 2035 to prepare for future growth and the anticipated impacts of climate change. Under current levels of demand, the region has enough spare water supply to manage through severe drought. However, it is important we remain vigilant and prepare now for the future. Maintaining a diversified, expanded mix of bulk water sources – including climate-independent sources – is key to addressing long-term water security challenges.

The proposed Gold Coast Desalination Plant Expansion will meet the growing demand for water and increase bulk water supply reliability for South East Queensland.

The expansion will likely be constructed close to the existing plant, located at Tugun.

The early enabling works include earthworks, topographical surveys and site preparation works plus further planning, approval and procurement activities in preparation for the proposed expansion. Seqwater is also further assessing the proposed project’s design, capacity and timing for delivery.

Pending final project approvals, Seqwater will be able provide more information regarding the project timeline, including construction activity.

We understand the community is interested in the project, and we will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

There will be minimal impacts to the community or environment during the early and enabling works.  Some temporary traffic management may be required along Boyd St, Tugun (where the plant is located), although any traffic impacts are expected to be minor.

For the full expansion, if approved, it is expected that the community will experience some impacts when construction work commences, including short-term traffic disruptions, dust and noise. We understand the community is interested in any potential impacts, and we will continue to keep the community updated as the project progresses.

Pending final project approvals, Seqwater will be able provide more information regarding the project, including what new infrastructure may be required.

Potential booster pump stations are being explored to be able to transport more water using the existing pipe network to the SEQ Water Grid. Booster pumps vary in design and size, depending on the volume of water passing through and the area they are helping to supply water to. Geotechnical investigations are underway to determine potential locations.  

Seqwater is committed to keeping the community updated as planning progresses.

The Gold Coast Desalination Plant has been in operation since it was brought online in 2009 and is an important part of the SEQ Water Grid. Unlike most water sources within the Grid, the plant doesn’t rely on rainfall and can be operated in times of severe weather (droughts and floods). At full capacity, the Gold Coast Desalination Plant can supply more than 10 per cent of South East Queensland’s daily water demand.

Desalinated water can be pumped to the Robina Reservoir at Clover Hill, where it is mixed with treated water from Hinze Dam or Little Nerang Dam. The blended water is then distributed to many areas of the Gold Coast and can also be pumped north to Brisbane through the Southern Regional Water Pipeline.

Although less desalinated water production is required when dam storages are full, the plant provides resilience and operational flexibility to supplement supply during times of peak demand, drought preparedness, flooding, as well as during system maintenance. Water production at the plant can ramp up in short notice and be pumped directly into the SEQ Water Grid.

Desalinated water undergoes a thorough, multi-staged treatment process to meet strict public health regulation standards and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The Gold Coast Desalination Plant (GCDP) turns sea water into safe drinking water through a multi-staged treatment process. The GCDP uses an advanced technology called reverse osmosis that separates dissolved salts and other minerals from the seawater. The water produced is called permeate and is similar to distilled water. Permeate is then re-mineralised so it can be blended with other treated water or directly distributed to homes, businesses and industries in the region.

You can read more about the desalination process here.

Desalination plants are subject to stringent environmental regulations and undergo rigorous approval processes involving regulatory bodies and government agencies. Our team works hard to ensure we meet legislative and regulatory requirements at Commonwealth, Queensland and local government levels.

A long-term independent marine monitoring program, designed in conjunction with the Queensland Government and independent marine experts, is in place for the Gold Coast Desalination Plant. The program shows that the plant is operating in compliance with licence conditions which have been developed to prevent environmental impacts.

Research shows small plants and animal organisms are thriving on and around the underwater infrastructure. Footage shows that the sea water intake is providing a habitat for a diverse variety of marine organisms, effectively creating an artificial reef.