Authorities have launched an early-stage study for a new pipeline aimed at ensuring the Sunshine Coast’s water security for decades to come. This move follows the decision to abandon a proposed desalination plant after community debate and environmental concerns.
The project, known as the Northern Pipeline Interconnector Stage 3 (NPI-3), would run underground from North Pine to Morayfield. It’s designed to connect with existing pipelines between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, replacing smaller local pipes and enabling the transfer of larger volumes of water as needed.
This study comes as water demand in South-East Queensland is expected to rise sharply, with forecasts suggesting annual consumption could jump from 300,000 megalitres to 500,000 megalitres by 2063. Seqwater, the region’s water authority, is also advancing other projects, including upgrades at Lake Macdonald and strengthening works at North Pine Dam.
A Seqwater spokesperson emphasized that these investments are part of a long-term strategy to prepare for population growth, drought, and climate change. While current models show the region can manage severe drought with existing resources, ongoing investment is needed to secure water supplies for the growing Sunshine Coast.
Most of the region’s drinking water currently comes from local dams, but the water grid allows for transfers from North Pine when necessary. The new pipeline would further enhance this flexibility and resilience.
Former Seqwater CEO Neil Brennan highlighted that expanding supply north of Brisbane is crucial, especially as the Sunshine Coast’s population is projected to grow by over 60% to 1.54 million by 2051. Climate change is also expected to make dam supplies less reliable, reinforcing the need for new infrastructure.
In addition to the pipeline, Seqwater is investing in a new treatment plant downstream of Wyaralong Dam and considering expanding the Gold Coast Desalination Plant as part of its drought response strategy
(Source: Sunshine Coast News)