Overview
Dunwich wastewater treatment plant on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia, serves 940 people with secondary treatment. Discharges 243.11 ML annually into local coastal waters.
Dunwich wastewater treatment plant is located on North Stradbroke Island in the Greater Brisbane region of Queensland, Australia. It serves a small population of 940 residents, reflecting the island's low-density settlement. The plant is situated within 10 km of the coast, making its discharge directly relevant to marine water quality. The facility provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under Australian wastewater regulations for small coastal communities. Secondary treatment removes organic matter and suspended solids, reducing environmental impact before discharge. The plant's annual discharge volume is 243.11 megalitres, indicating consistent operation. Treated effluent is released into the coastal waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island, which are part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park ecosystem. This area supports diverse marine life, including seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and migratory species. The plant's performance is critical to maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the coastal waters of Moreton Bay, a large semi-enclosed bay that receives drainage from the Brisbane River and other catchments. Moreton Bay supports extensive seagrass beds, mangroves, and fish habitats, and is an important migratory corridor for shorebirds and marine species. The bay ultimately opens to the Coral Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean. Nutrient and pathogen control from the plant is essential to protect these ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Dunwich wastewater treatment plant is located on North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, Australia, within the Greater Brisbane region. Its address is North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, 4183.
The plant serves a population of 940 people, reflecting the small community on North Stradbroke Island.
The plant provides secondary treatment and discharges treated effluent into the coastal waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island, which flow into Moreton Bay and ultimately the Coral Sea.
The plant operates under Australian wastewater regulations, which require secondary treatment for coastal discharges to protect marine environments. State-level permits from Queensland authorities govern discharge quality.
For small communities in Australia, secondary treatment is standard, often using lagoon or mechanical systems. This level effectively reduces organic load and suspended solids before coastal discharge.
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