Early investigations are underway for a major new pipeline designed to secure the Sunshine Coast’s water supply for decades to come, after the abandonment of a desalination plant proposal.
Seqwater has confirmed that a preliminary study has started on the Northern Pipeline Interconnector Stage 3 (NPI-3), which would run underground from North Pine to Morayfield.
The project would connect to existing sections of the NPI linking Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, replacing smaller local pipes and allowing more bulk water to be transferred when needed.
The investigations come as demand on South-East Queensland’s water supply grows, with Seqwater forecasts showing consumption could rise from 300,000ML a year to 500,000ML by 2063.
Seqwater is also pushing ahead with other local projects, including upgrades at Lake Macdonald and staged strengthening works at North Pine Dam.
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A spokesperson said the NPI-3 and other investments were part of long-term planning to ensure the SEQ Water Grid could meet the challenges of population growth, drought and climate change.
“While current modelling shows the region has enough spare water supply with existing assets to manage through severe drought, we are continuing to invest in the grid to increase long-term water supply security for the growing Sunshine Coast region,” they said.
Most of the Sunshine Coast’s drinking water is currently drawn from Baroon Pocket Dam, Ewen Maddock Dam and other local storages, with the grid allowing water to be moved north from North Pine when needed.
A desalination plant had been flagged as a possible long-term option, with sites on the northern Sunshine Coast considered, but the proposal was ruled out by the LNP after strong community debate and environmental concerns.
Former Seqwater CEO Neil Brennan told Sunshine Coast News in 2023 that expanding supply north of Brisbane was vital, with the region’s population expected to grow by more than 60 per cent to 1.54 million by 2051.
“This will place increased demand on existing dams,” he said.
“Through the known impacts of climate change, we also know we may experience less reliable supply from our dams.”
Seqwater is also investing in projects across the grid, including a new treatment plant downstream of Wyaralong Dam and potential expansion of the Gold Coast Desalination Plant, as part of its long-term drought response strategy.
