Category Archives: Seqwater

Time to get ready as storm and fire seasons approach

October 6, 2021

On your marks, get ready … Redlands Coast residents are being encouraged to be on the front foot ahead of this year’s looming storm and bushfire season.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Councillor Karen Williams said this month’s Get Ready Queensland Week – from 10-17 October – aimed to raise awareness about being prepared for extreme weather events and disasters.

“The idea is to be proactive; to be ahead of the late-spring/summer season which, as we all know, can bring devastating weather events and conditions conducive to destructive bushfires,” Cr Williams said.

“In the past decade, Queensland has experienced close to 90 declared disaster events. The lesson we have learnt is that the better prepared a region is, the better prepared it is for a quicker recovery.

Redland City Council is spreading the word that it is time to prepare for the storm and bushfire season.

“Get Ready Queensland Week is a statewide initiative and the message is loud and clear in its title. If we get ready now we will be able to better handle anything this upcoming season throws at us.”

Cr Williams said Council maintained a dedicated Redland City Disaster Management website that provided practical information on preparing for, responding to and recovering from disaster.

“This is the time to equip yourself and your family with a disaster response plan. The value in knowing in advance what you would need during a severe event or if you were required to evacuate cannot be underestimated,” she said.

“The disaster management plan covers the entire city and has specific information and guidance for our vulnerable communities on our Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

“Council also has an opt-in emergency notification messaging service which is an important part of Council’s disaster and emergency communications. About 2200 residents are subscribed to this free alert service already and I encourage you to opt-in during Get Ready Queensland Week.”

Redland City Council is also conducting a bushfire awareness campaign over the next few months funded under state and federal government grants. Council will collaborate with the QFES to deliver a number of information sessions as well as installing 10 permanent signs in high-risk bushfire areas reminding people to know the risk, prepare a survival plan and report any bushfire or arson to 000.

“Now is the time to ‘spring clean’ your property to reduce the risks of it being affected by bushfires or extreme weather events,” Cr Williams said.

“The bushfire awareness campaign provides targeted advice and information to property owners in identified high-risk areas as well as offering bushfire-preparedness information across the entire region.

“I encourage all Redlands Coast residents to take advantage of these incredibly important information sessions.”

Bushfire awareness information nights will be held at the following times and locations:

7 October, Capalaba Sports Club, Capalaba, 6.30-8.30pm
14 October, Redland Bay SES, Redlands Business Park, 6.30-8.30pm
4 November, IndigiScapes, Capalaba, 6.30-8.30pm
11 November, Sirromet Winery, Mt Cotton, 6.30-8.30pm

Council will also host information stalls at the Cleveland Markets (17 October, 7am-1pm) and IndigiScapes Eco Market (4 December, 8am-noon)

Registration for the information nights is via redland.qld.gov.au

To view the Redland City Disaster Management Plan, go to: redlandsdisasterplan.com.au

To opt-in to Council’s emergency alert messaging service, go to: disaster.redland.qld.gov.au

For more information about Get Ready Queensland Week, go to: getready.qld.gov.au

Seqwater’s free Dam Release Notification service sends notifications by email, text messages to mobile phones or recorded messages to telephone landlines when dam releases are occurring.

You can register or find more information at seqwater.com.au/dam-release

Council to lobby State Government to introduce water leaks rebate

September 15, 2021

Redland City Council today voted unanimously to lobby the Queensland Government to introduce a policy to reimburse residents for concealed water leaks.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Government had a moral obligation to implement a policy to complement a Council reimbursement policy already in place.

“Council is seeking a collaboration with the State Government by supporting a new State Government bulk water concealed leaks policy,” she said.

“The State Government is responsible for more than 80 per cent of resident’s water consumption price, yet offers no assistance at all if a Redlands Coast resident finds a concealed leak.

“Council’s component of a resident’s water consumption price is about 16 per cent and we already have our own policy in place to reimburse residents for this component.

“They can claim a rebate from Council covering a portion of the lost water costs, but the vast majority of the charge has been levied by the State Government, which disappointingly has no policy to assist in the event of a leak.”

Total water charges to Redlands Coast residents are currently included in rates notices issued by Council.

Council retail water price – $0.629 per kilolitre
State bulk water price – $3.231 per kilolitre.

“State-imposed bulk water charges have more than doubled since 2012 and Council believes the Government has a moral obligation to reimburse some of the funds it receives from residents who discover a concealed leak on their property,” Cr Williams said.

“We have been lobbying the State unsuccessfully for many years to accept their responsibility and implement a concealed leaks policy to complement our own.

“Our pleas have so far fallen on deaf ears, but now Council has urged local State MPs to consider the inequity that currently exists and support our crusade to convince the Government of the need to soften its thinking and do something for hard-hit residents.

“I know some of our fellow South East Queensland Councils have had similar situations and no doubt they will support our calls for such a policy.”

Council resolved today to write to the Government and Seqwater and request they support Council’s existing concealed leaks policy by implementing a new policy to cover the State Government’s bulk water component of water consumption in Redland City.

To allow time to enact changes for next year’s Budget, Council has asked for the State Government to advise if it enacted such a policy by February 2022.

Subject to a State concealed leaks policy being implemented by February next year, Council will then consider any policy change to complement the new bulk water rebate to further assist ratepayers.

Water supply to shut down on Macleay and Lamb islands to complete new pipeline installation

August 13, 2021

The Queensland Government’s bulk water supply authority Seqwater has advised it will need to shut down the water supply to Macleay and Lamb islands overnight on Saturday 14 August 2021 to complete the installation of a new pipeline between Macleay and Lamb islands.

The water supply to these islands will be shut down from 7.30pm on Saturday and is expected to be restored on Sunday morning.

Residents and visitors are advised to begin preparing for the shutdown by filling suitable containers with drinking water, storing water in the bathtub to be used for toilet flushing, and planning to shower or bathe before 7.30pm on Saturday.

Seqwater has also advised there will be some noise impacts for residents close to the work sites on both islands.

When water supply is restored, there may be some air in water pipes or discoloured water when people first turn on their taps, in which case running the water for 2-3 minutes will allow it to clear. The water will be safe to drink.

People may also notice hydrants with flowing water as the water supply is restored and the repaired main is flushed. This is a necessary part of the works, and residents and visitors are asked to not approach the hydrants or attempt to turn them off.

The new pipeline will be installed by Seqwater contractors, with Redland City Council officers flushing the pipeline in order to remove any air and complete water quality checks once the installation is complete on Sunday morning.

Residents who have urgent water enquiries during the water supply shutdown period can contact Redland City Council on 3829 8999.

For enquiries about the new pipeline replacement, contact Seqwater on 1300 737 928 or visit the project page on the Seqwater website.

Water supply shut down on Macleay Island for pipeline installation

July 8, 2021

Seqwater has advised it will need to shut down the water supply to Macleay Island overnight on Saturday 10 July 2021, to complete the installation of a temporary pipeline between Macleay and Lamb Islands.

Water supply will be shut off from 9pm on Saturday and is expected to be restored early Sunday morning.

Residents are advised to begin preparing for the shutdown by filling suitable containers with drinking water, storing water in the bathtub to be used for toilet flushing, and planning to shower or bath before 9pm Saturday.

When water supply is restored, there may be some air in residential pipes or discoloured water when residents first turn on their taps. Residents are advised to let the water run for 2-3 minutes to clear. The water will be safe to drink.

When the water supply is restored and the repaired main is flushed, residents may notice hydrants with flowing water. This is necessary to flush the pipeline. Residents are requested to not approach the hydrants or attempt to turn them off.

The temporary Seqwater pipeline will be installed by Seqwater contractors. Redland City Council officers will flush the pipeline in order to remove any air and complete water quality checks once the installation is complete early Sunday morning.

The temporary pipeline will remain in place, above the ground along Cressy Street on Macleay Island, until a new valve pit can be installed and the permanent pipeline can be fully installed underground. This is anticipated to occur in three weeks’ time and will necessitate a further shutdown. This will be confirmed and communicated to the community nearer the time.

For inquiries on the Macleay Island pipeline replacement, contact Seqwater on 1300 737 928 or visit the project page on the Seqwater website.

Residents who have urgent water inquiries during the water supply shutdown period can contact Redland City Council on 3829 8999.

Seqwater media release: Water supply shut down required for pipeline replacement

March 16, 2021

Seqwater will need to shut down the water supply to Karragarra, Lamb, and Macleay Islands overnight on Saturday 20 March 2021, to complete the replacement of an 80-metre section of pipeline on Karragarra Island.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said the replacement project will improve reliability of supply for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, after a series of pipeline bursts in the section of pipe being replaced.

“We are committed to minimising the impacts of this work for residents and businesses which is why the shutdown is happening overnight when water use is at its lowest,” Mr Brennan said.

“The team needs 10 hours to complete this work, so to ensure water is available for everyone in the morning from 7am, the shutdown will start from 9pm,” he said.

“We realise this will impact some businesses, vulnerable residents and emergency services, so have endeavoured to provide as much notice as possible.”

Residents are advised to begin preparing for an overnight water shutdown by filling suitable containers with drinking water and storing them in the fridge, storing water in the bathtub to be used for toilet flushing and planning to shower or bath before 9pm or after 7am.

When water supply is restored, there may be some air in residential pipes or slightly milky coloured water when residents first turn on their taps. Residents are advised to let the water run for 2-3 minutes to clear. The water is safe to drink.

Seqwater worked in coordination with Redland City Council and local businesses to best manage the timing of the required shut down.

Residents who have urgent enquiries during the shutdown should contact Redland City Council on 3829 8999.

Russell Island night water works Friday 1 May to Saturday 2 May 2020 (overnight)

April 29, 2020

Seqwater is undertaking water supply maintenance on High Street, Russell Island on Friday night, 2 May (weather permitting). During works some island residents may experience temporary loss of supply/low pressure. Tap water may be discoloured for a short time after the work. Enquiries can be directed to Seqwater 1300 737 928.

For more information about discoloured water visit redlnd.cc/2V72rEY

Water maintenance works on Russell Island 15/16 April 2020

April 14, 2020

Redland City Council advises that Seqwater will be undertaking maintenance work on Russell Island this week.

The work on Keats Street and Canaipa Point Drive will start on Wednesday, 15 April 2020 and is expected to finish on Thursday, 16 April 2020.

Council does not expect water loss but residents may experience discoloured water.

For information about discoloured water visit https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20237/your_water_supply/543/water_quality.

Make water saving your New Year’s resolution

January 6, 2020

While there are currently no water restrictions for Redlands Coast, the hot and dry conditions continue and residents are encouraged to remain water wise and make water savings a New Year’s resolution.

The latest water supply assessment by Seqwater shows that the SEQ Water Grid dams continued to drop during December, losing almost 2.5% over the month.

On the last day of 2019, the SEQ Water Grid combined dam levels were at 56.4%.

For more information: https://www.seqwater.com.au/news/seq-new-years-resolution-save-water-now

Update – Water restored to Benfer Road, Victoria Point

November 28, 2019

Update: 12pm Thursday 28 November 2019

Water has been restored to the Benfer Road area, Victoria Point following emergency repairs to a burst water main this morning.

Council crews are flushing the repaired main. You may see open hydrants with flowing water – this is necessary to flush pipelines. Please do not approach the hydrants or attempt to turn them off.

As water supply returns, there may be some air in residential pipes or some discoloured water when residents first turn on their tap. Residents are advised to let the water run for 2-3 minutes to clear.

Earlier: 9am Thursday 28 November 2019 – Unplanned disruption to water supply – Benfer Road, Victoria Point

Residents around Benfer Road, Victoria Point, are experiencing a water shut down as a result of a burst water main outside St Rita’s Catholic Primary School.

Council crews are on site excavating to locate the break. Reconnection of water supply is expected to be around lunchtime. Council apologises for this inconvenience.

Planned temporary water shutdowns for Redlands Coast areas in May and June

May 17, 2019

Residents in parts of Mount Cotton and on three Southern Moreton Bay Islands will experience
temporary overnight water supply interruptions over May and June as essential maintenance
work is carried out to improve water security.

From 28-30 May 2019, Seqwater crews will temporarily stop water supply to some properties so
inspections can be carried out on a 50-year-old pipeline between Alexandra Hills Reservoir and
Heinemann Road Reservoir at Mount Cotton.

The inspections will enable Seqwater to prioritise pipe replacement. The first two sections were
successfully completed in early May.

Water supply will be turned off from 9pm with planned restoration at 5am the following morning.
Residents on Karragarra Island, Lamb Island and Macleay Island will also experience temporary
overnight water supply interruptions from Saturday 1 June to Sunday 2 June, while work is
being carried out on pipelines to the island and other water infrastructure.

The project follows pipeline bursts on Karragarra Island which resulted in unplanned water
supply disruptions on those three islands.

The upgrade work will reduce the risk of water supply disruptions in the future.

To complete this essential work, Seqwater must temporarily turn off some pipelines.

Residents on the three islands will have low or no water supply for up to 12 hours from 8pm on
Saturday 1 June.

Water supply is expected to be restored on Sunday morning 2 June.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said Seqwater had been working closely with a
team at Redland City Council to minimise the impact on affected residents.

“We understand having temporary water supply interruptions is not easy and appreciate the
understanding and patience of locals as this vital work is carried out,” Mr Brennan said.

Affected properties will receive a notice in the letterbox ahead of a water supply interruption.
Seqwater will be working closely with Redland City Council, community champions, SES and
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to help ensure all residents on the three islands are prepared for the temporary shutdown.

For more information call 1300 737 928 or visit Seqwater.com.au or Redland.qld.gov.au/WaterOutages

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