May 2008
In this issue:
- What is the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan?
- Pimpama Coomera community research
- Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS)
- Buying in Pimpama Coomera
- Make your water mark! - Watersaver Education Program
- Assisi College - way ahead with water
- Community news
- Free carnival in Upper Coomera
- Family support in Pimpama Coomera
- New adventure playground earmarked for Coomera
- Free trees to green the Gold Coast
- Subscribe / unsubscribe
- Questions?
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Pimpama Coomera
Pimpama Coomera Master Plan
What is the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan?
The Master Plan aims to secure a sustainable water future for residents of Pimpama Coomera by reducing the use of precious drinking water.
Pimpama Coomera community research
Gold Coast Water is conducting telephone surveys and convening focus groups in the Pimpama Coomera region during May and June 2008.
Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS)
Water efficient appliances save your pocket and your environment! Learn what to look for when making your next white good purchase.
Buying in Pimpama Coomera
Real Estate Agent Nigel Lang is busy selling new houses in Pimpama and Coomera. He says that lifestyle factors are a key feature that attract many families to the area.
Make your water mark! Watersaver Education Program
Gold Coast Water has been working with the Griffith University Science Alliance in the development of extensive water education units specifically tailored for Gold Coast schools.
Assisi College - way ahead with water
Assisi Catholic College is leading the way in water conservation. It is the first school in Queensland to be plumbed with dual reticulation and is effectively collecting and managing stormwater runoff in a retention pond for education and irrigation purposes.
Community news
Free carnival in Upper Coomera
Family support in Pimpama Coomera
New adventure playground earmarked for Coomera
Free trees to green the Gold Coast
What is the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan?
The Master Plan aims to secure a sustainable water future for residents of Pimpama Coomera by reducing the use of precious drinking water.
High quality Class A+ recycled water will be supplied to the region for specific non-drinking purposes such as toilet flushing, garden watering, car washing, external cleaning and hose down.
Rainwater tanks will play a key role, along with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) that uses engineered landscaping features to help slow, reduce and filter stormwater run-off and visually enhance the environment.
Pimpama Coomera community research
Gold Coast Water is conducting telephone surveys and convening focus groups in the Pimpama Coomera region during May and June 2008. The research aims to gauge the community’s level of awareness, understanding and acceptance of the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan and associated initiatives such as the use of Class A+ recycled water and rainwater within homes and Water Sensitive Urban Design in the community.
The research will enable Gold Coast Water to plan the next phase of engagement and consultation in preparation for the delivery of Class A+ recycled water to dual reticulated homes at the end of the year.
After the surveys are completed, Gold Coast Water will be coordinating focus groups to evaluate the survey findings and determine the best way forward in terms of engaging and consulting with the community on the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan. If you would like to participate in a focus group please phone 5596 9696 to register your interest or email info@pcwf.net.au.
Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS)
WELS is Australia's new Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme, which allows consumers to compare the water efficiency of different products.
By buying more water-efficient products you can save money on water and electricity bills and help the environment.
The rating system is similar to the energy rating labelling, with six stars. The more stars the better. As well as a star rating the labels also show a water consumption or water flow figure.
The WELS Scheme replaces the voluntary National Water Conservation Rating and Labelling Scheme (the 'AAAAA' Scheme).
WELS Dishwashers
- The most efficient dishwashers use half the water of average models.
- By 2016, WELS could save nearly 1,200 megalitres per annum nationally in dishwasher water consumption—enough water to fill 600 Olympic swimming pools each year.
- WELS represents a reduction of about 6.5 per cent in the water consumption of the dishwashers sold between 2003 and 2016.
For more information visit the WELS website.
Buying in Pimpama Coomera
Real Estate Agent Nigel Lang is busy selling new houses in Pimpama and Coomera. He says that lifestyle factors are a key feature that attract many families to the area.
“The fact that Council has put in place a plan that improves the environment is a critical aspect,” he said.
“Factors like better stormwater management and intelligent uses of recycled water and rainwater, particularly in times of drought, let residents go about their lifestyle with minimum impact. Imagine being able to wash your car with Class A+ recycled water or water your garden even during Level 6 water restrictions!”
Nigel is finding that there is still some negativity towards the use of recycled water.
“Some people still perceive recycled water to be unsafe or dangerous, but when I explain the high quality of the Class A+ water and that it will only be used to flush toilets and to water gardens, they see its value,” he said.
As the area continues to expand, Nigel believes education on the different water sources is critical.
“I still have people asking me what the purple pipes are for. I have brochures that I pass out and explain the water sources and their uses. Imparting this sort of information is part of my job as a real estate agent.”
Gold Coast Water - Make your water mark! Watersaver Education Program
Gold Coast Water has been working with the Griffith University Science Alliance in the development of extensive water education units specifically tailored for Gold Coast schools that tie in directly to the Education Queensland Core Learning Outcomes.
View the ‘Make your water mark!’ fact sheet (
PDF 125kb). For more information contact Simone Siwka on 1300 366 692.
Assisi College - way ahead with water
Assisi Catholic College is leading the way in water conservation. It is the first school in Queensland to be plumbed with dual reticulation and is effectively collecting and managing stormwater runoff in a retention pond for education and irrigation purposes.
Each building has purple recycled water pipes connected to toilets and external taps, according to school spokesperson Shary Braithwaite.
“The immediate use will be for toilets, but we are also planning irrigation for a kitchen garden for our food technology programs as well as environmental science and agricultural studies across a range of subject areas that would involve growing native or agriculturally important plants.”
The school plans to develop 'test plots' to compare the effects of different types of organic fertilisers, compost and watering regimens on native species. This year senior chemistry students will be conducting water quality studies on the retention pond on site. Retention ponds are a landscaping and design feature that mimic nature to capture, slow and filter stormwater. Senior biology students will investigate the pond as a developing habitat supporting a variety of bird life, frogs, small crayfish and eels. Years 8, 9 and 10 students will conduct smaller scale investigations of this area and primary school students will be involved in water conservation activities.
While it hasn't been necessary this season to irrigate the College grounds, they will have the option when recycled water comes online later this year. According to Ms Braithwaite, maintaining a green environment even in times of drought is important to the school both aesthetically and spiritually.
“Our commitment to preserving the environment originates with our school's Franciscan values and ultimately from St. Francis, who is a 'patron saint' of the environment. The use of recycled water is an instance of this spiritual value in action,” Ms Braithwaite said.
Assisi’s commitment to the environment is embraced by students and their families.
“Our students are passionate about critical environmental issues and are proud to belong to a school that is committed to making a difference in this area,” she said.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Free carnival in Upper Coomera
Experience the thrill of the carnival and star in your very own circus on Sunday, 4 May from 10am to 12pm at John Siganto Park, 639 Reserve Rd Upper Coomera.
Experience this unique workshop that offers participants of all ages and abilities an unforgettable introduction into a wide range of circus skills including juggling, spinning plates, hoops, mini-stilts and much more.
View Gold Coast City Council’s Active and Healthy Autumn Winter Program ( PDF 147kb) for more information.
Family support in Pimpama Coomera
Community Early Years Hubs provide programs to support families and children. Currently there are five hubs operating in the Northern Gold Coast Area:
- Cedar Creek Community Hub
- St Mary’s Community Hub
- Coomera Community Hub
- Oxenford State School Community Hub
- Oxenford & Coomera Youth Centre Community Hub
Programs running at the hubs include:
- Parent Drop-in Mornings
- Parenting Education Programs
- Kids Sports
- Small Sports
- Playgroups
- Move to Music
- New Mums Groups with Child Health Nurse
- Read and Grow
- Nutrition and Cooking Classes
- Play-based Programs
- Exercise Program for Pregnant Women
For information on the above programs please contact Louise Patching at the Communities for Children Office on 5580 4993 or email her at adminc4c@lifelinegoldcoast.org
The Community Early Years Hubs are funded by the Australian Government as part of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.
New adventure playground earmarked for Coomera
Gold Coast Council is working on developing a new park area on Reserve Rd Coomera. Currently the site has a set of large BMX jump which allows for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Development of the site should begin shortly with the intent over time to turn the old quarry into an adventure park. According to Council, the park will be a very positive addition for the residents of Coomera. For more information please contact Greg at Gold Coast City Council on 07 5581 6452 or email ghehir@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.
Free trees to green the Gold Coast
Gold Coast ratepayers are entitled to two free trees each year, as part of Council's free tree program. The program is part of Council's Citywide Greening Program, which aims to achieve 30 per cent shade cover from trees in our urban and residential areas and transform the Gold Coast into a city of tree-lined boulevards and avenues by 2020.
To make sure our environment gains the maximum benefit from the program, new criteria now apply.
Free tree nursery locations
Council nursery staff are happy to provide assistance with plant selection. Trees will be available at the following locations:
Coombabah
Coombabah Nursery, Shelter Road
- Friday 2 May 7.30am to 2.30pm
- Saturday 3 May 7am to 12 noon
- Saturday 31 May 7am to 12pm
- Body Corporate - every Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm
Ormeau
Brian Harris Oval, Peachey Road
- Friday 2 May 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Note: No giveaways on public holidays.
Further information
For further details:
Phone (07) 5581 6984 or email: citywidegreening@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
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Questions?
Your feedback is vital to us to ensure we continue to communicate information to you in the best way possible. Please email us at info@pcwf.net.au with any queries regarding the Master Plan or to request any specific information.
Gold Coast City Council, PO Box 5042, Gold Coast MC Queensland 9729
© 2008 Gold Coast City Council