Queensland industry working to address water shortage

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie declared a water supply emergency on Tuesday in the State's south-east corner and set a September 30 deadline for local councils to show how they will embrace recycled water for industry and reduce wastage.

Ai Group Queensland Director Andrew Craig said industry is aware of the important role it needs to play in addressing the State’s water shortages and many have already implemented water saving measures in their businesses.

“Industry understands it’s clearly in the State’s best interests to have a viable, ongoing water supply, particularly as water is a crucial input for many businesses,” Craig said.

Queensland industry also understands the secondary effects of adopting water efficient practices. These included long-term cost savings and a more positive relationship with both customers and the community.

Many Ai Group members have sought advice from Ai Group on the types of water efficient practices that are available to them and how those can be implemented.

Ai Group is in the process of establishing a water users’ group of 12 Queensland businesses that will work to develop industrial solutions to the State’s water shortage and to liaise with Government about addressing these needs.

“The Queensland water users’ group will work to make the Government aware of what industry is doing to alleviate the water shortage and to minimise any disruption to industry,” Craig said.

“All Queenslanders need to work together to secure a long-term water supply not only for residential use but also to ensure the future of the State’s economy through the ongoing success of industry.”

Ai Group has previously held meetings with the Queensland Water Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority and has upcoming meetings with other water-related bodies such as SEQ Water.