Queen’s Wharf, Qld, Australia

Introduction

All eyes are turning to Brisbane in the leadup to the 2032 Olympic Games and the city is in transition with exciting building works transforming the urban landscape of Queensland’s capital. The $3.6b Queen’s Wharf development is a vital piece in the emerging new face of Brisbane, and is destined to showcase the city as a global magnet for tourism, leisure and entertainment.

As is the case with most modern developments, sustainability is high on the list of priorities and it’s fair to say that the need for an optimum water recycling is paramount.

aquacell and Destination Brisbane Consortium

In achieving a coveted 6-Star Green Star Communities rating – this vast urban development project has been recognised as a world leader in sustainability. The multipronged approach encompasses reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimising solar orientation, shading and shelter, maximising waste efficiency and a water sensitive urban design reducing potable water demand for internal and external uses.

Aquacell was engaged by the Destination Brisbane Consortium to plan, design, manufacture and install the water recycling solution which collects all the greywater from one of the main towers, and recycles this greywater for reuse in cooling towers for the Casino building.

It is today, the largest greywater recycling system in Australia and required considerable regulatory work between Aquacell and the Queensland Government to adjust legislation to bring the project to life. The huge commitment in time and effort required to guide the project through this often complex regulatory process is testament to the diverse skills and knowledge of the Aquacell team and a credit to the vision of the Queensland Government.

     

    the aquacell solution

    The solution designed by Aquacell incorporates an Aquacell G150 system. Water is collected from various sources in the precinct including rainwater and greywater, before being balanced for treatment.

    Aquacell’s design manages the diurnal flows of the development, ensuring non-potable water is always available for use. Once the waste is removed using a membrane bioreactor with ancillary disinfection, non-potable water is then available for reuse in cooling towers.

    Along with navigating the complex regulatory conditions, Aquacell has undertaken the design and manufacture of the system with typically meticulous attention to detail. With installation supervision and commissioning a key part of the project scope, each process has been managed with a key focus on the operability of the system to ensure there will always be a water supply, regardless of the climate.