The Gladstone region, as one of the most industrially intense regions in Australia, uses significant quantities of fresh water. Awoonga Dam, situated on the Boyne River, is the only major source of water in the region. The current typical annual usage is 53 GL (Porteous 2006) and approximately 80% of the water is used by heavy industry (Gladstone Area Water Board 2004). Until relatively recently, there has been ready and easy access to raw water for industrial use. The recent drought, which resulted in severe water restrictions in 2002 and 2003, emphasised the importance of water for a dominant industrial region like Gladstone. Although now in the process of changing, the typical contractual arrangements in the past have provided little financial incentive for efficient water use. From research undertaken on potential water re-use opportunities, several key questions have emerged related to water management in an industrial region such as Gladstone. This paper highlights these key questions, presents findings from recent regional strategies and assesses the potential for water re-use. Even though there is no clear-cut financial incentive for reusing water, there could be stronger regional and risk mitigation drivers for doing so. Initiatives to incorporate adaptive capacity through collaborative industrial synergies would allow for robustness and resilience in water security, leading to long-term sustainable water management across the Gladstone region.

Publisher: Water in Mining 2006 Conference, 14-16 November, Brisbane, pp. 47-55

CITATION

Corder, G. & Moran, C. 2006. The Importance of Water in the Gladstone Industrial Area. Water in Mining 2006 Conference, 14-16 November, Brisbane, pp. 47-55

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The importance of water in the Gladstone industrial area
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The importance of water in the Gladstone industrial area