Excitement Building as Macro-Algal Facility Breaks Ground

The world-first Burdekin Macro-Algal Treatment Facility hit a major milestone last week, with Burdekin Shire Council commencing construction of a six-hectare earth pad at the Ayr Waste Water treatment plant.

A joint initiative between Council and RegenAqua, the innovative facility will use native green algae to treat wastewater and remove nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen which are harmful to the Great Barrier Reef and will also sequester carbon dioxide.

To achieve this, the construction of high-rate algal ponds not only serves as a fundamental component of the macro-algal facility but is a crucial element in providing an ideal environment for the algae to thrive and perform their important role in treating wastewater.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council was proud to be partnering with RegenAqua to lead the way in delivering innovative environmentally sensitive infrastructure solutions.

“The commencement of earthworks at the site is quite literally a ground-breaking moment,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Working in partnership with RegenAqua, Council is confident this project will be a success and will serve as a role model for other councils as the technology can be replicated at other sites.” 

The anticipated completion of the earthworks is September this year.

As a further sign of Council’s commitment to the environmental and cost saving objectives, excess material from the earth pad construction will be utilised for the earthworks stage of the Industrial Estate Expansion, providing a sustainable solution to construction waste management.

“The construction of the earth pad is a significant step towards the realisation of our vision for a sustainable future,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“This project will not only create economic opportunities for our community, but it will also help us reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment.

Council is committed to delivering sustainable and innovative projects that benefit our community and contribute to a greener future. Earthworks for the project are proudly funded by the State Government’s Building Our Regions round 6 and Burdekin Shire Council.

For more information, please contact Burdekin Shire Council on 4783 9800.