A CUTTING-EDGE wastewater treatment plant taking shape in Redland Bay is set to service more than 13,500 future residents while setting new benchmarks for sustainable infrastructure in SEQ.
The $30 million Southern Redland Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, being delivered on Longland Rd, will provide essential services for more than 5000 new homes within the Shoreline master-planned community.
Developed by Stockland as part of Shoreline’s infrastructure commitments and co-funded by the Queensland Government, the facility will feature advanced treatment technology and a large-scale wetland system designed to protect local waterways and the coastline.
At the heart of the project is a state-of-the-art Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system capable of removing 99.9 per cent of pathogens.
The facility will also incorporate a 9.8-hectare constructed wetland that uses natural processes to further treat and polish recycled water before it is released into the environment.
Ipswich-based company Aquatec Maxcon is leading the technical delivery, including the design, installation and commissioning of the advanced MBR system along with the mechanical and electrical infrastructure.
Councillors who toured the site said the project represented a significant investment in both essential services and environmental sustainability, describing it as a model for future infrastructure.
Deputy Mayor and Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the facility was the result of intense negotiations when Shoreline was first approved in 2015.
“From the outset there was debate about how best to provide sewerage for this development and surrounding communities,” Cr Talty said.
“Options such as individual household pumping systems or privatised services were considered but rejected because they would have placed unfair costs on future residents.
“This plant, owned and managed by Council alongside all other residential treatment facilities, represents the best outcome for both existing and new residents.
“It will support Redland’s growth well into the future, while also giving long-awaited sewer connection opportunities to residents on smaller lots who have lived without it for decades.”
Environmental benefits are also central to the project, with 35,000 mangrove seedlings being planted to create habitat for local wildlife while improving the health of surrounding waterways.
Integrating natural systems with modern technology is expected to reduce emissions, protect the coastline and deliver a long-term environmental legacy.
“This project isn’t just about supporting growth – it’s about doing it the right way,” Cr Paul Golle said.
“By integrating natural systems like mangroves with modern treatment technology, we’re protecting our coastline, reducing emissions, and creating a legacy for future generations.”
Construction began in mid-2023, with milestones already achieved including early works, intersection upgrades on Beenleigh-Redland Bay Rd, and filling of the bioreactor with 2.6 million litres of water in late 2024.
The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, when it will be handed over to Redland City Council for operation.
The sewer project is backed by $15 million in Queensland Government funding.
