A better alternative than Traveston Crossing dam

How much further can demand management strategies go to ensure future water security for SEQ? Tanzi Smith, Darren Edward*, Alex Kazaglis and Andrea Turner *independent contributor THINK. CHANGE. DO INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

Outline of Presentation Four main points will be addressed: ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Conclusion: DM has a lot further to go Mary River Estuary Photo: Stewart Riddell

A snapshot SEQ’s current and future water needs 440 GL/a 630 GL/a 450 GL/a used by SEQ prior to drought 2004 2007 2050 Source: Queensland Government 2007 (based on high saving scenario, medium population growth) GAP = 540 GL/a 440 GL/a Yield derated by 30% Population: 2.8 million Demand in 2050: 980 GL/a (including 30GL for climate change, 20GL for rural irrigation) Population: 5.1 million

Queensland Government’s proposed strategy A diverse portfolio with controversial elements ~186 GL/a ~24 GL/a Existing Government savings program (industrial recycling, efficiencies etc) Western corridor recycling Additional minor surface and groundwater sources Expanded Tugun Desalination plant 84 GL/a 62 GL/a 50 GL/a GAP = 134 GL/a Leakage reduction The WATER GRID + Additional demand of 540GL/a Traveston Crossing 150 GL/a Wyaralong Dam 18GL/a Qld Govt plans two new dams to fill this gap:

What role does DM already play in current strategy? ,[object Object],Adapted from Turner et al, 2007 Qld Government’s existing DM program Predicted saving ~210 GL/a (MWH & Marsden Jacobs, 2007)

Is there a role for further DM in SEQ’s water future? Qld Government says “No” ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Is the Qld Government’s position on DM justified? Anna Bligh at Public Meeting in Gympie Photo: Arkin Mackay

Alternatives to new dams: expanded DM in urban and power sectors ,[object Object],[object Object],URBAN SECTOR A 2007 review of SEQ water management found expanding DM could further increase water security (Turner al, 2007) ADDITIONAL SAVINGS 190GL/a

Alternatives to new dams: expanded DM in the power sector ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Source: Qld Govt Dept. of Energy

[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Alternatives to new dams: DM in the power sector Source: Shenoi et. al. General Atomics

Alternatives to new dams: Which is the better option to meet the 134GL/a gap? But the Qld Government’s remains reluctant to expand DM Further Urban sector DM Dry Cooling DM Option: New Water: 230 GL/a Unit Cost : $1.08-1.15/kL Social and Environmental Impact : Low/positive Traveston Crossing & Wyaralong Dams Two new Dams Option: New Water: 168 GL/a Unit Cost : $3.4-4.65/kL Social and Environmental Impact : High

Alternatives to new dams: Why such reluctance on more DM? ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Great Sandy Strait Photo: Stewart Riddell reliance on ongoing savings presents “ ..a significant level of risk” to future water security because they rely on “voluntary participation or ongoing behavioural change.” (Qld Government, 2007, p64)

How does the public feel about DM? most research has been done on restrictions.. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Qld Govt’s reluctance to consider further DM is not justified Mary River Valley Photo: Unknown

How much further can DM go in SEQ? At least 230 GL/a! ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Under a sustainable paradigm: Traveston Crossing Dam and Wyaralong Dam are not the best options for SEQs water security Mary River at Traveston Crossing Photo: Anne Stephens

Thank you very much! ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Contact: Tanzi.E.Smith@uts.edu.au

A better alternative than Traveston Crossing dam

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