unitywater Archives - Albany Creek News

New Digital Water Meters Aim to Catch Hidden Leaks in Murrumba Downs

Murrumba Downs is one of five suburbs receiving digital water meter installations during June. The initiative forms part of an expanding Unitywater program that has already fitted about 4,000 devices across its service region since March 2026 and issued more than 160 notifications advising customers they may have a leak.

Almost 2,300 properties across Murrumba Downs, Kallangur, Bray Park, Strathpine and Warner are included in this round of installations.

For households nearby in Albany Creek who have not yet received notice of their own upgrade, the rollout represents what is likely coming their way as Unitywater continues expanding the program across its network.

What makes a digital meter different

The digital upgrade provides a more complete picture of water use across Unitywater’s network to help catch issues early. While a traditional meter is typically only read once every three months, this digital technology allows for faster leak identification and earlier notification of potential leaks to customers.

This gives households the opportunity to locate and fix a problem before it shows up as an unexpectedly large, clearer bill.

Unitywater Acting Executive Manager Customer Experience Steve Wimberley explained the operational logic behind why some streets see installations before their neighbours.

“We’re installing the meters in ‘network blocks’, which are defined by the water supply infrastructure layout, rather than street-by-street,” he said. “This means residents may see their neighbours’ meters being upgraded but not theirs yet and this is an intentional operational approach.”

The numbers behind the program

Unitywater’s earlier pilot program delivered substantial results across 10,000 properties. The trial recorded more than 800 million litres of water savings, more than $5 million in customer savings, and early leak identification support for more than 3,500 households.

Properties left unattended for extended periods are particularly vulnerable to undetected leaks. This technology closes that gap by flagging unusual water use quickly, preventing scenarios where property owners return home from a holiday to major, undetected water damage.

How the installation process works

Customers scheduled to receive a digital meter in the next six months will receive a letter from Unitywater, followed by a notice approximately five to 10 days before their installation window. Residents do not need to be home for the upgrade, which takes between five minutes to one hour.

“We don’t always need to turn off your water for this upgrade, but if we do, we will notify you beforehand,” Mr Wimberley said.

The standard installation comes at no additional cost if received as per Unitywater’s schedule. However, customers wishing to have an early upgrade can opt in, which may incur an additional fee.

For more information, visit Unitywater’s Digital Metering Program page at unitywater.com/smart-meters.

Published 16-June-2026

Murrumba Downs Student Awarded Unitywater Women in STEM Scholarship

A Murrumba Downs student has been named among this year’s Unitywater scholarship recipients, highlighting local talent supported through the University of the Sunshine Coast’s partnership with the water utility.

Scholarship Opportunities for UniSC Students

Unitywater has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship program, continuing its initiative to help University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) students begin their careers in the water industry. Since 2014, Unitywater has supported 21 students through its partnership with UniSC.

Three scholarships are offered: the Bright Future in Engineering Scholarship, the Fiona Waterhouse Women in STEM Scholarship, and the Bright Future for First Nations Students Scholarship. Each provides financial assistance over two or three years. Applications for the 2026 intake close on 30 November 2025.

Murrumba Downs scholarship — *Photo Credit:* *University of the Sunshine Coast* Australia

apply for this scholarship

Murrumba Downs Student Recognised

Murrumba Downs resident and Environmental Management student Genevieve Dennis was awarded this year’s Fiona Waterhouse Women in STEM Scholarship. Her selection reflected her strong academic record and her enthusiasm for sustainability and the environment.

She will undertake 100 hours of paid work with Unitywater’s environment team, gaining practical experience in environmental management and water operations.

Career Pathways Through Unitywater

Unitywater’s scholarship program forms part of a broader career development framework that includes the Vacation Student Program, Graduate Development Program, Apprenticeship Program, and Water Industry Worker Program. These initiatives provide opportunities for hands-on learning and entry into various roles within the water sector.

University of the Sunshine Coast Australia — *Photo Credit: University of the Sunshine Coast* Australia

Supporting Local Talent

Unitywater serves communities across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa, employing more than 700 people. The organisation is investing $2 billion over the next five years in infrastructure projects to support the region’s growth and sustainability.

Through initiatives like the scholarship program, Unitywater continues to foster skilled professionals who will contribute to the future of water and environmental management — including emerging leaders like Murrumba Downs’ Genevieve Dennis.

Published 10-Nov-2025

Shellfish Reef Trial Shows Waterway Benefits Near Bridgeman Downs

A long-running shellfish reef trial in the Pine River catchment near Bridgeman Downs is demonstrating measurable nutrient reduction, providing new insights into how nature-based systems can support cleaner waterways.

Background on the Pine River Trial

Unitywater began the shellfish reef project in the Pine River nearly two years ago to assess whether oyster-based reefs could reduce nutrients downstream of the Murrumba Downs Wastewater Treatment Plant. The initiative, delivered with UniSC, OzFish and Healthy Land and Water, forms part of a broader commitment to improve waterways across the region.

The approach tests how recycled oyster shells can be used to support live shellfish, building small reef structures capable of filtering water as they grow. The trial sits within the Pine River catchment, which includes the Albany Creek and Bridgeman Downs area.

Bridgeman Downs shellfish reef — *Photo Credit: Unitywater*

How the Reef System Works

Each reef consists of baskets made by OzFish volunteers and filled with around 18 kilograms of recycled oyster shells. The shells are sun-cured for 12 months to remove impurities and then prepared for oyster spat before installation.

Researchers measure performance by analysing nitrogen in shellfish tissue, nitrogen deposited into surrounding sediment and reductions in the water column. In the first six months of results, monitoring showed a reduction of 7.24 kilograms of nitrogen.

Unitywater’s modelling indicates that approximately 154 reefs, covering an area similar to two rugby league fields and containing about 6,500 baskets, could offset nitrogen discharged from a treatment plant servicing around 10,000 people.

Ecological Findings So Far

UniSC research teams reported that more than 95 per cent of shellfish reefs nationwide have disappeared, making restoration work significant for water quality and ecological recovery. Findings from the Pine River show the reefs are effectively storing nutrients within the living shellfish and the reef structure.

Researchers used multiple techniques, including nitrogen testing in shellfish flesh and surrounding sediment, to understand how nutrients settle and transform within the system.

Expansion of the Trial

Following development approval from the State Assessment Referral Agency, Unitywater will add two more reefs to the North Pine River between Lawnton and Murrumba Downs. These sites will test how different depths, salinity levels and flow conditions influence nutrient removal.

Unitywater’s Environmental Sustainability Plan outlines a wider commitment to divert or offset nutrients from waterways by 2040. The shellfish trial forms part of this broader program, which includes wetland restoration, nutrient offset projects and recycled water schemes.

Relevance to Bridgeman Downs

Bridgeman Downs is located within the Pine River catchment, meaning improvements in water quality upstream contribute to healthier waterways for suburbs connected to this system. The trial’s findings offer data that may guide future restoration activities benefiting the wider northern Brisbane region.

Next Steps

Further monitoring will assess long-term nutrient storage, reef growth and performance in varied conditions. These results will support decisions on whether nature-based systems can be deployed more widely alongside existing wastewater treatment processes.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Unitywater Relining Works Improve Wastewater System in Eatons Hill

Unitywater has relined wastewater pipes in Eatons Hill as part of a major program to improve wastewater systems, reduce odour, and prevent overflows across South East Queensland.

Background and Context

Over two years, Unitywater has renewed 53 kilometres of wastewater pipelines and 317 maintenance holes across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. The work forms part of a $400 million replacements and renewals program spanning five years.

Within the Moreton Bay region, 26 kilometres of pipes—roughly the distance between Morayfield and Redcliffe—have been relined, with 91 maintenance holes renewed.

Eatons Hill’s section included 29.8 metres of relined wastewater pipe, while nearby Deception Bay saw 74.3 metres completed.

Eatons Hill wastewater relining — *Photo Credit: Unitywater*

How the Relining Works

Instead of replacing ageing pipelines through excavation, Unitywater crews are relining existing pipes using trenchless technology. The process involves spiral PVC lining and a cured-in-place polymer UV liner, which seals the inner surface of pipes without digging.

This approach is more cost-efficient, reduces traffic and noise disruptions, and limits emissions compared to full pipe replacement.

Preventing Corrosion and Overflows

Hydrogen sulphide, a gas produced naturally within wastewater, can cause corrosion over time. The relining program addresses this by reinforcing internal pipe surfaces and renewing affected maintenance holes.

Unitywater’s proactive network management uses CCTV inspections, jet blasting, and tree root removal to detect and resolve issues early. Some maintenance holes are also elevated to prevent stormwater infiltration during heavy rainfall.

Keeping stormwater and wastewater separate reduces the risk of overflows into private properties or the environment.

Benefits for Eatons Hill and the Region

The program helps improve reliability and efficiency while minimising disruption to local residents. By extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure, Unitywater reduces future repair costs and supports environmental protection in Eatons Hill and surrounding areas.

Ongoing Investment

These works are part of Unitywater’s broader $2 billion investment over five years to enhance water and wastewater services for more than 800,000 residents across South East Queensland. The organisation plans to continue its renewal projects to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable service delivery.

Published 7-Oct-2025

Bray Park Pump Station Gets a Splash of Colour with New Wildlife Mural

A plain brick pump station on Francis Road in Bray Park has been given a colourful new look, with Unitywater unveiling a vivid mural that reflects the region’s local wildlife.

Read: Bray Park Rescue Group Saves Mount Isa Animals from Certain Death

The artwork, painted by local artist Daniel Krause, was created as part of Unitywater’s Community Art Program, which aims to turn essential infrastructure into works of art for the public to enjoy.

Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Engagement, Joshua Zugajev, said the initiative was about more than just brightening up brick and concrete.

“Our Community Art Program provides local artists with a unique canvas to improve the aesthetic of concrete, brick, and metal water and wastewater assets for the community to enjoy,” Mr Zugajev said.

The mural’s design was shaped by the community, with 153 votes cast to decide which animals would be included. The final artwork features a green tree frog and butterfly on the front wall, and a koala and cockatoo on either side.

Krause said the design carries both visual and symbolic meaning. “The green tree frog is always a favourite, and an abstract blue swirl ties it all together to symbolise the way water connects all life on earth, and the essential role Unitywater plays in delivering it in our region,” he said.

The project took around 25 hours to complete, using a mix of acrylic house paint and aerosol before being sealed with a protective anti-graffiti coat.

The Bray Park mural is the second Unitywater site in Moreton Bay to receive an artistic makeover in recent months, following the transformation of a roadside cabinet on Bribie Island by local artist and wildlife scientist, Jayda Bruce.

Read: Bray Park District Park Nearing Completion With New Facilities and Green Spaces

For locals passing through Francis Road, the pump station now stands out as a burst of colour and a reminder of the wildlife that calls Moreton Bay home.

Published 11-September-2025