Unitywater has officially launched the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme, marking a major milestone in sustainable agriculture and water management in South East Queensland. City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery joined Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson to ceremonially "turn on the taps" of the infrastructure project at Pinata Farms. The Wamuran Irrigation Scheme's new distribution network is part of an AUD 120 million project that will provide a reliable, climate independent source of water for local farmers.
The scheme will deliver around 2.6 gigalitres of high-quality Class A recycled water annually — equivalent to more than 1,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools — to five foundation farming operations growing strawberries, raspberries, pineapples, turf, and avocados. “The Wamuran Irrigation Scheme enables local growers to better plan for their business growth, contributing to local employment and investment in our region,” said Ms Jackson.
The recycled water is sourced from the Caboolture South Sewage Treatment Plant and transported via a new 22-kilometre pipeline network to farms in the Wamuran district. This innovative scheme not only provides a climate-resilient water supply for agriculture but also helps Unitywater achieve its environmental goal of net zero nutrients to waterways by 2040. Each year, it will divert 11 tonnes of nitrogen and 1.8 tonnes of phosphorus away from the Caboolture River, improving waterway health and water quality.
Wamuran Irrigation Scheme. Credit: Unitywater
In November 2024, Unitywater received regulatory approval for its Recycled Water Management Plan, which outlines how water treatment and monitoring processes align with the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling. The approval followed extensive testing of the scheme’s treatment systems, including a chemical dosing system and ultraviolet disinfection processes, to ensure the recycled water is safe for use on minimally processed food crops.
Key infrastructure supporting the scheme includes the Moodlu Quarry facility, now converted into a secure water balancing site featuring land-based and floating pump stations and large storage tanks. Access to the site is permanently restricted to protect both public safety and critical infrastructure.
Pinata Farms, one of the scheme’s early adopters, is already seeing the benefits. “Connecting to the scheme means we can more confidently plan our annual planting and increase our crop yield,” said third-generation farmer Gavin Scurr. “We now have the capability to grow more as we’re not only relying on the rain and on-site water storage, like dams, to determine our seasons.”
Mayor Flannery praised the project’s long-term regional impact. “This project marks the first use of recycled water for irrigating food crops in South East Queensland and I commend and thank Unitywater for delivering this vital sustainable infrastructure.” He added that a reliable water supply is essential for the success and expansion of the local agricultural industry.
Queensland’s Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy also recognised the project’s broader benefits. “Innovation and science are leading the way in reducing our impact on the environment through recycled water projects like this one,” she said.
As the region’s population grows, the scheme is designed to expand, allowing more growers to access the recycled water supply. Unitywater is continuing to work closely with Queensland Health and the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water to ensure public health and food safety standards are upheld throughout the life of the project.
