Overview
Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cairns, Queensland, Australia serves approximately 47,462 people. The plant is operational and located within 50 km of the coast, discharging into the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant is a municipal facility located in Woree, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It serves a population of around 47,462, placing it in the medium agglomeration category. The plant is situated in the tropical north of Queensland, a region known for its high rainfall and proximity to ecologically sensitive coastal areas. As an Australian wastewater treatment plant, it operates under the regulatory framework of the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and the Australian government's water quality guidelines. For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with potential nutrient reduction measures to protect downstream environments. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in megaliters per day or similar unit), indicating its infrastructure scale. The plant's treated effluent ultimately flows into the Coral Sea via the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. This receiving environment is of global ecological significance, supporting diverse marine life including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and migratory species. The plant plays a critical role in managing nutrient and pathogen loads to protect this sensitive coastal ecosystem.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Great Barrier Reef catchment, which drains into the Coral Sea. This region supports the world's largest coral reef system, with high biodiversity including endangered species such as sea turtles and dugongs. Effective wastewater treatment is crucial to minimize nutrient pollution and sediment runoff that can lead to coral bleaching and algal blooms.
Frequently asked questions
Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at Links Drive, Woree, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It serves the southern suburbs of Cairns.
The plant serves approximately 47,462 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Great Barrier Reef catchment, which flows into the Coral Sea. The exact discharge point is managed to meet environmental standards.
The plant operates under Queensland's Environmental Protection Act and the Australian government's National Water Quality Management Strategy. Discharge permits are issued by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
For a medium-sized agglomeration in Australia, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is typical to protect sensitive coastal environments like the Great Barrier Reef.
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