The installation was the first step in Council's Long Term Recycled Water Release Plan which, when completed, will see two of the country's most complex crossings of marine pipelines undertaken.
Mayor of the Gold Coast, Tom Tate said the existing network was 30 years old and the new upgrade, valued at $70 million would effectively boost its capacity, adding:
“With our population expected to double to 1.2 million by 2050, this network will ensure our growing city is well catered for.”
He said the pre-assembled pipe, which is 1.2 metres wide, had been laid beneath the Nerang River from Main Beach's Waterways Drive to Southport's Winchester Street. The towing operation involved the use of 14 vessels. During the operation, mariners were asked to keep clear of the area and Water Police maintained a constant patrol.
Stage one of the works will also involve another marine crossing between Biggera Waters' Quota Park and South Stradbroke Island. A shaft will need to be excavated at each end and the pipes lowered separately in segments across the Gold Coast Broadwater. Media coverage and flying printing campaigns are often used to alert locals of major operations such as this.
The huge project will also involve upgrades to pump stations, Seaway release points and South Stradbroke Island pipelines.