Challenge Agnes Water and 1770 are located near the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, an area that is becoming increasingly popular as a tourism destination and as a place of residence for those seeking a sea change. Much needed upgrades to water and sewerage infrastructure are being provided under a contract by the Gladstone Regional Council. These upgrades include a seawater desalination plant to gradually replace reliance on insufficient local bore water. Environmental sensitivity has been a factor in the project. Most of the surrounding area is national park so extensive environmental investigation was required to determine and protect flora and fauna in and around the proposed plant facilities. Particular emphasis of this project is on the plant's footprint, noise and energy use. A number of water treatment challenges were also faced when tackling this project.

Solution Osmoflo was selected to design, build and commission the desalination plant, as a sub-contractor for Trility (then United Utilities). Two containerised microfiltration SWRO plants were fabricated, with a total capacity of 1.5ML/d.

Result The new desalination plant was commissioned in 2010, providing water that supports expansion of the area and developing infrastructure.

Agnes Water and 1770 are costal towns in a predominantly natural environment. Tight controls on development have enabled them to remain quiet townships.