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Abode Magazine Brisbane: E: info@abodemag.com.au |
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Recycled water: experts argue over safety Australian National University Emeritus Professor, Patrick Troy, an authority on water infrastructure, on 29 October was widely reported (The Australian newspaper, Channel 7, 9, 10 Television news and on radio) with advice that it was not possible to prevent potentially harmful organisms from entering southeast Queensland’s water supply when recycled sewage is added to it in February. The Courier Mail, however, appears to have not reported on this issue. Professor Paul Greenfield, chair of the Queensland Water Commission Committee which advised the Queensland Government to proceed with the recycled water project, has rejected suggestions that the practice is unsafe. Professor Greenfield has stated that Peroxide and UV light will destroy all organic material (presumably that escapes through membranes) but no mention of inorganic compounds was reported. The Queensland Water Commission has in the past stated – there are seven safety barriers and the first barrier is that no Hospital and Industrial waste goes into the sewerage system – this has been changed to “residential/industrial source control including hospital waste”. However, the very first barrier one is a barrier in name only, there is no actual control over hospital and industrial waste entering the sewerage system because hospitals and industrial areas do not have separate reticulation systems. Business owners in Industrial areas can purchase Trade Waste certificates to dispose of industrial wastes to sewers. There is no control over what happens in residential premises, there is no government monitoring of domestic sinks and toilets and there is no mechanical barrier to prevent any chemical substance (e.g. expired drugs) from entering sewerage. On 4BC Radio (Thursday 23 October, am) Premier Anna Bligh said that hospital waste was required by law to be treated to ‘a certain level’ however it is unclear as to what level the waste is treated and whether the treatment level is adequate for addition to a water supply system. The rate of cancer is very high and increasing and many patients in hospitals are receiving cytotoxic drugs which will be excreted from the body in urine, faeces and vomit, which then enters the sewerage system via hospital toilets. It would be extremely unlikely that a grease trap would be able to remove cytotoxic drugs, and other chemicals such as antibiotics from the waste stream. The presence of large amounts of excreted antibiotics in infectious hospital waste streams gives great concern for the evolution of super-bugs and Professor Troy’s advice should be noted. Many cancer sufferers receive chemotherapy as oncology outpatients in chairs (virtual beds) and after treatment, return home, with the result that cytotoxics enter sewerage via domestic toilets. Queensland Health does not currently know what actually goes into the sewerage system from hospitals, but recent information from a public hospital source is that the Queensland Government is paying for a privately contracted survey to try and find out. On 22 October, a spokesman from the Deputy Premiers Office phoned Radio 4BC and claimed the Labor government went to the last election and was voted in with recycled water clearly on the agenda. He said people had voted for it. This has been pointed out by the radio host as being incorrect. “We are being conned. The Labor Party did not go to the election with recycled drinking water on the agenda. Peter Beattie was emphatic before the last election. On Friday 2 June 2006 the Labor government released a statement which said “Premier Peter Beattie and the Minister for Water, Henry Palaszczuk said today that it was not government policy to place recycled water into dams across Queensland.” Premier Bligh stated on 29 October 2008 “there will be no going back”. Indeed, there can be no going back, the pipes are in the ground, the Queensland tax payer has been committed to having to pay for the Water Grid ($9 billion plus interest) for many years into the future. There is a solution however, to minimise risk to the population of south-east Queensland.Recycled water is now being used to guarantee supply for Swanbank and Tarong power stations. A short spur pipeline line of only six kilometres is needed to place water in Atkinson Dam and this water can be used to guarantee water supplies for one of Queensland most important agricultural areas. In Singapore recycled water is added into a small reservoir that is separate to the domestic supply. Only 1% of the Singapore domestic supply is comprised of recycled water. With only 1% added, it is obvious that recycled water is not needed to replenish the Singapore water supply. It does however assist the marketing of reverse osmosis systems and the promotion of the concept of placing recycled water into domestic water supplies. The deliberate extensive addition of recycled water to domestic supplies as planned by the current Premier, is a world first. If there are accidents, mishaps or cover-ups, it could become a world worst. There are no safety studies that the Government can put forward, because there are no comparable situations. The Liberal National Party (LNP) has maintained that adding recycled sewage to our drinking water supplies is an Armageddon solution, this was first admitted by former Premier, Peter Beattie. The words sewage and sewerage have almost been removed from the Queensland Media’s vocabulary, substituted by the euphemous phrase ‘purified recycled water’ by promoters and sections of the media that will not report any negative stories. This is helping keep the public in the dark about where their water will be coming from. Recycled water for industry? Great idea! Recycled sewage water for human consumption? Who came up with this insanity? LNP Infrastructure spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said the LNP had a clear policy on recycled water, stating it should be directed towards power, industry and appropriate agriculture, and only placed in drinking supplies as an absolute last resort. “There is a lot of legitimate concern over the long term effects and safety of drinking recycled sewerage, hospital and industrial waste water and people deserve to have a say on the matter,” Ms Simpson said. “The Bligh Government plans to force the south-east into drink this waste water, but the LNP are giving people the guarantee that recycled water won’t be placed into drinking supplies unless absolutely necessary. “People will be given a say over drinking recycled water in the 2009 state election when they choose between the LNP or Labor. This matter is one of the defining differences between the two parties. “The Beattie-Bligh Government uses experts who claim recycled water is safe, but they are also deliberately ignoring other experts who have doubts over its safety. “People’s health is too precious to gamble by ignoring these scientific concerns. “South-east residents clearly don’t want to drink recycled water unless there is no other option. If Queenslanders choose to elect an LNP Government at the next election then they can rest assured recycled water won’t be placed into drinking supplies.” Ms Simpson said the Beattie-Bligh Government went to the 2006 election saying recycled water would only be placed into dams in an “Armageddon” situation. Anna Bligh also announced in a 2006 radio interview* that the Government was “well on track to secure water supplies without drinking recycled water.” “Despite dams being above 40% and forecasts of a good wet season ahead, Labor has clearly back flipped on their election promises,” Ms Simpson said. Brisbane, Sunshine and Gold Coast revaluation concerns raised with minister The Property Council has recently written to the Minister for Natural Resources and Water, the Hon Craig Wallace, in order to clarify reports that Brisbane, Sunshine and Gold Coast areas will not be revalued this year. The Property Council understands that there is a view within the Department that unimproved values these areas have not changed and that as a result there is no need to undertake revaluations this year. It is the Property Council’s clear view that unimproved values, similar to all asset classes have been significantly devalued in recent times. It is critical that these areas be revalued for effect 30 June 2009 to give some relief to property owners. A mere demonstration of the impact to property is reflective in the share market price of the AREITS. In 2007 the Index rose to 2575.6 compared to close of business 16 October 2008 when the Index was 1178.1. This is a drop of some 54%. Further, there has been no decrease in the cost of and value of improvements. In fact the reverse is the case. The value of improvements have increased, but overall values significantly decreased. Therefore, losses to the capital value of the property are all reflective of a difference in land prices. The Property Council has sought assurances that these areas will be revalued for effect 30 June 2009. Hike in New South Wales land tax will affect property market The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales has condemned the increase in land tax in the recent NSW mini budget, saying the move flies in the face of economic wisdom here in Australia and around the world. “Every other government in Australia and globally are trying to stimulate the economy, not drive it further into the ground,” said REINSW President Steve Martin. “The trickle down effect will mean that property investors have yet another tax burden to consider when they make the choice to buy or build housing stock. “If the cost of buying a home for these investors becomes more expensive, that means they have less disposable income to buy into the rental market – the losers will be the renters the Premier misguidedly thinks he is protecting. “The IMF, international governments, the Australian Government, as well as banks are doing everything they can to make capital affordable and available, to stimulate the economy and create incentives for key markets such as property. “But not in New South Wales! “On the one hand the Prime Minister is trying to stimulate activity with $10 billion and on the other hand the Rees Government is trying to douse any activity in the property sector. “Raising a tax at a time of economic crisis, irrespective of the income bracket, is economic madness. “The NSW Government has learned nothing from the disastrous effects of the Vendor Tax; the decision to increase land tax at this time with such a fragile economy may even eclipse that poor decision. “If the NSW Government wants to deepen the downturn in the NSW economy then it is going about it the right way,” said Mr Martin. The Property Council of Australia has also weighed into the debate saying the 25 per cent increase in land tax rates for property portfolios over $2.25 million will cost jobs, drive up development holding costs, and push investors away from the rental housing market. The NSW Treasurer has increased the land tax rate from 1.6 per cent to 2 per cent for properties over $2.25 million in land value, equivalent to a 25 per cent increase in land tax bills for those land owners. “At a time when NSW desperately needs an economic stimulus, it is crazy to increase land tax bills by 25%,” said NSW Executive Director Ken Morrison. “This is the same twisted logic that brought us the vendor tax in the 2004 mini-budget and drove investment out of the state.” “We are facing an economic downturn, rising unemployment and a rental crisis. This decision will make each of these factors worse.” “This will cost jobs in the property sector which is already shedding staff at more than one hundred a week.” “Twice as many businesses pay land tax as payroll tax, and that is before you count the tens of thousands of businesses that pay land tax as part of their outgoings. “Holding costs for developers will increase making it harder to deliver projects in NSW. “If the Government is truly considering a construction sector stimulus then it will need to be a doozy to get over the impact of this land tax hike.” “People who already have investments in rental accommodation will now have no reason to invest further in NSW. “When NSW is facing a rental crisis we should be encouraging people to invest in rental accommodation to bring more supply onto the market and ease rents.” “Land tax bills have already increased significantly for many businesses with rising land values. Values in the Sydney CBD went up by 25% this year. This tax increase will just add to this cost.” The mini budget also doubled property transfer fees from $92 to $184 on top of the land tax increase. Non bank lender keeps banks honest on interest rates Non-bank lender Aussie Home Loans has dropped its standard variable mortgage interest rate by a further 40 basis points, on top of a 50-basis-points cut before the last change to the official cash rate. That takes Aussie Home Loans’ variable rate to 7.65%. The mortgage broker also announced it was reducing its basic variable rate for first home buyers to 6.99%. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut its official cash rate by 75 basis points, but retail banks only lowered their standard variable rates by between 58 and 65 basis points, blaming high funding costs caused by the global financial crisis. Executive chairman John Symond says Aussie’s 7.65% rate is below the big four banks and will lead to increased competition. “The big winners from the rate drops are consumers, who will enjoy renewed competition among the major lenders in the market,” Mr Symond said in a statement. “Our first home buyer rate at under seven per cent should also provide a much needed stimulus to the housing sector.” Get into the Christmas spirit Queenslanders are being urged to show a little Christmas spirit towards some children who need it more than most - Queensland’s children in care. Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech has joined with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) and its chairman Peter McGrath to launch the first ever Queensland-wide Foster Child Christmas present drive. Mrs Keech and the REIQ last year trialled the drive on the Gold Coast and due to its outstanding success – over 1,000 presents donated – are this year expanding the campaign to major centres across Queensland. “Being away from family at Christmas is difficult for anyone, but for our children in care it is especially tough because for them home is not a safe place to be,” Mrs Keech said. “So we are trying to show the 7,000 children in care they really are loved and cared for by spoiling them with an extra special Christmas. “Together with the REIQ, I’m calling on Queenslanders to donate a present to a child in care so we can shower them with kindness and ensure Christmas is a happy time.” REIQ chairman Peter McGrath said their members across the State are committed to putting a smile on the face of thousands of children in care this Christmas. “The Foster Child Christmas Present Drive is a way to make this happen and the REIQ encourages everyone to join in the ‘spirit of giving’ by taking part in this wonderful initiative,” Mr McGrath said. “While this year’s challenging economic conditions have impacted on everyone, receiving a present this Christmas can make these children feel valued and remembered at a time when family is most important. “We have started the drive nice and early so we are able to collect the presents and distribute them in time to put a smile on these kids’ faces on Christmas morning.” Christmas presents can be donated simply by buying a gift and labelling it with the age and gender of the child it is for, then drop the present off at REIQ offices or Child Safety Service Centres in Cairns, Toowoomba, Brisbane or the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Presents can also be placed under the giant tree in the foyer of the State Government offices at 111 George Street Brisbane. Infrastructure spending must continue The State Government has been urged to continue its commitment to infrastructure spending despite the global credit crisis by Australia’s peak property body. According to the Property Council of Australia the record spending – $17 billion this year – must continue if South-East Queensland is to cope with the hundreds of thousands of new residents making Queensland their home in coming decades. The Property Council’s Steve Greenwood said Queensland under Anna Bligh and Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Paul Lucas was spending almost twice the per capita amount committed by the New South Wales Government. “Projects like the Gateway duplication, and Airport Link – the biggest public private partnership in Australia’s history – are vital, and we were thrilled to hear the government talking just last week about an expanded underground railway system for Brisbane,” he said. Mr Greenwood said the Property Council was working closely with the State Government on the reform of the state’s planning system, the review of the South-East Queensland Regional Plan, and the challenge of introducing higher density living to the state’s south-east. “Irrespective of the wellbeing of the world’s financial markets, South-East Queensland is facing rapid and massive change. “And our members are looking to the State Government to ensure we have a sophisticated, flexible and practical planning system that can accommodate our burgeoning population, while providing sufficient infrastructure to protect Brisbane’s famed liveability,” Mr Greenwood said. Kiah Beach Houses Luxury beach homes in Byron Bay’s newest development, Kiah Beach Houses, are being snapped up, with five already sold for a total of $10.7 million just 10 weeks since their completion and official release. The $35 million project, which comprises 16 north facing villas, has also been rushed with enquiry, with very few new projects coming on-line, and a pent-up demand for premium property, in the highly sought-after coastal town. New research by property analyst Colleen Coyne found just 96 new houses and 61 other dwellings had been approved in the Byron Bay area in 2007/2008. The report also showed dwelling approvals in the region had consistently averaged about 160 per annum since 2003. Kiah Beach Houses sales agent Paul McCarthy said savvy buyers had recognised there were limited opportunities to secure quality new property in Byron Bay. “There are very few development sites left in the township and the approval process for new projects can be timely and quite restrictive,” he said. “As a result, when a new development is completed, it is generally snapped up quickly because buyers realise it could be a long time before they get another chance to purchase prime real estate in Byron Bay. “Sales of premium product, in particular, remains strong regardless of market conditions, because buyers with the money to spend don’t want to deny themselves the pleasure of owning the very best property available. “The research compiled by Colleen Coyne found sales in Byron Bay had virtually mirrored building approvals over the last seven years, due to a lack of supply and the fact existing properties are tightly held, rather than a lack of demand. Kiah Beach Houses, developed by Cove Group and designed by award-winning architect Michael Hesse, is situated on a two acre site on Belongil Beach, just a seven minute walk from the centre of town. Builder Glenzeil recently took out top honours for the project in the ‘best multi-unit development four units and over’ category of the Excellence in Regional Building Awards – Northern Region, an initiative of the Master Builders’ Association of NSW. Priced from $1.8 million to $1.95 million, the two-storey homes feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a multi purpose room on the ground level, two secure car spaces and easy beach access. Cove Group director Kerry Dunn said, as the first project of its kind in Byron Bay, Kiah Beach Houses had raised the bar for new development in the area. “Kiah Beach Houses’ combination of a prime location, cutting-edge architecture and environmental sensitivity has struck a chord with purchasers,” he said. “We have created a series of truly unique homes, which offer luxury living while blending seamlessly with the surrounds, including two native rainforest areas, which have been retained in their natural state.” About 310 trees and palms, the majority of which are species native to Byron Bay, were planted on site as part of extensive landscaping to complement and extend the existing rainforest re-growth. Other environmentally sensitive principles include rainwater tanks totaling more than 70,000 litres, low-energy lighting and a building form allowing for natural cooling and ventilation. Kiah Beach Houses is the second Byron Bay project for Sydney-based Cove Group, which was also behind a boutique apartment project completed at 14 Bay Street in 2006. Energex urges a safety-first approach to Christmas lights With the festive season upon us, Christmas decorations are starting to go up around South East Queensland, and ENERGEX is urging customers to put safety first when decorating their homes and businesses. ENERGEX’s Mike Swanston said there were a few simple steps people could take when installing and using Christmas lighting to keep themselves, their family and friends safe. “We want to help Queenslanders get into the Christmas spirit in the safest way possible,” Mr Swanston said. “Before installing Christmas lights, ENERGEX urges customers to check that wires, fittings and lights are in good working order. If they appear to be faulty or you have concerns, either have the lights checked and repaired by a qualified electrician or simply throw them out.” When setting up Christmas lights ensure they are low voltage lights and use a quality powerboard for multiple plugs rather than a double adaptor. “If bulbs need replacing, switch the lights off at the power point and use the correct replacement globe as using incorrect globes may create an electrical hazard,” he said. “ENERGEX understands that decorative lights are a big part of the festive season for many Queenslanders, but sadly in recent years faulty fairy lights have caused fires which have led to homes being destroyed and lives ruined.” Mr Swanston also cautioned that care must be exercised when using external Christmas lights. “It is important to only use lights outside that are classed by the manufacturer as suitable for external use as they have extra protection against moisture and dust,” he said. “It’s also vital when placing Christmas lights outside that care is taken to avoid contact with external electrical cables and overhead wires, including the electricity supply line to the home.” ENERGEX emphasised that a licensed electrician should always be used to carry out any changes to your electrical wiring that may be necessary to install Christmas lights and to check that circuits will not be overloaded. Mr Swanston also highlighted that the standard string of low voltage Christmas lights were relatively low power users and would have little impact on overall power use in the home during the festive season. “Standard Christmas lights, especially LED lights which are becoming more and more common, use far less electricity than family home appliances such as a fridge, hot water system, air conditioner or fans, computer, television or washing machine,” he said. “If home owners are worried about their power use rising this Christmas but still want to enjoy their festive lights, we’d encourage people to switch off any electrical equipment which has been left unused in the standby mode – not only will that drop power use but will also improve safety.” Official interest rate cuts to stimulate economy The Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision on 4 November to cut the cash rate by 75 basis points to 5.25 per cent is a further attempt to stimulate the economy, according to The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ). REIQ managing director Dan Molloy said the rate cut was a sign the Reserve is more focused on the overall direction of the national economy than the threat of inflation. “Australia’s economy has been affected by the global financial crisis with lower consumer spending and business confidence, a subdued housing market and the risk of higher unemployment,” Mr Molloy. “While the Federal Government’s $10.4 billion economic stimulus package – introduced last month – was designed to re-energise the economy, the Reserve obviously believes more help is needed and has cut rates by 0.75 per cent.” Mr Molloy said all lenders should now be in the position to pass the full rate cut on, which would also help stimulate the Queensland property market. “The three interest rate cuts in as many months – as well as the First Home Owner Boost initiative and the new stamp duty threshold for first-time buyers – will shore up confidence in the residential property market over coming months.” Queensland Howard Smith Wharves revitalisation closer The intensive public consultation process for the Howard Smith Wharves revitalisation reached a new phase of community consultation last week. The site, nestled in the shadow of the Story Bridge, will be a major connection point between the CBD and New Farm. Lord Mayor, Cr Campbell Newman said the area had the potential to be a new epicentre for Brisbane life, recreation and culture. “In five years or six years’ time the Howard Smith Wharves area could be one of the most exciting precincts of Brisbane,” he said. “The precinct will be activated with cafes, galleries and recreational space, which will make it a more vibrant and safer place for people who use Riverwalk and go though the area now.” Based on two-and-a-half years of intensive community input, planners came up with a proposal for the 3.56ha site, which favoured rock climbing, cafes, art galleries, restaurants, tour boat berths and a boutique hotel, but decided against residential accommodation. Cr Newman said the plan, which was developed with the assistant of the independent Hornery Institute, is now on display. Glimmer of hope for builders as loans for new homes tick up Loans for ‘new’ dwellings moved higher in September in contrast to a further decline in loans for the purchase of established dwellings, according to peak building and construction industry organisation Master Builders Australia. Mr Peter Jones, Master Builders’ Chief Economist, said “The steep decline in overall housing finance commitments over the past 12 months lends support to the Reserve Bank’s aggressive moves to bring down interest rates down by a full two percentage points in the past three months. “With the likelihood of more cuts to come over the next six months, the bold decision to bring rates sharply down coupled with additional government spending should bolster confidence and should put a floor under the market.” “Encouragingly, the number of loans for ‘new’ dwellings moved higher in the month, following 12 consecutive monthly declines. A further period of uncertainty is likely over the remainder of the year as the full extent of the global financial crisis plays out and this means soft conditions in the housing market can be expected to prevail for another 6 to 9 months,” he said. • The total number of dwellings financed for owner occupiers, seasonally adjusted, fell by 2.7 per cent in September 2008, to be down 26.9 per cent on the same month last year. • The number of loans for ‘new’ dwellings (construction and new combined) was up by 2.4 per cent in September to be down 26.8 per cent on the same month last year. • The number of loans for the construction of dwellings rose by 2.0 per cent in September, to be 17.4 per cent down on the same month last year. • The number of loans for the purchase of new dwellings rose by 3.6 per cent in September, to be down 42.3 per cent on the same time last year. • The number of loans for the purchase of established dwellings fell by 3.3 per cent in September, to be down 27.0 per cent on the same time last year. • The value of lending to finance the purchase of investment housing fell by 1.1 per cent in September, to be down 22.8 per cent on a year ago. Deputy Premier rejects Sunshine Coast development Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas this week used his Ministerial “call in” powers to refuse a development proposed outside the urban footprint on the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council had refused the proposal for up to 1,200 new residential lots at Weyba Downs before the applicant lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court. “The greatest threat to livability in South-East Queensland comes from people wanting to develop outside the urban footprint,” said the Deputy Premier. “This proposed development was contrary to the South-East Queensland Regional Plan. “My decision to refuse this development application is supported by Mayor Bob Abbot and by the community”, Mr Lucas said. The latest version of the South-East Queensland Regional Plan is due for release in draft form in December. The Minister for Planning can exercise “call in” powers under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 on State interest grounds and decide the application in place of the relevant local government. Under IPA, the SEQ Regional Plan was taken to be of State interest. “The decision to ‘call in’ the development allowed me to use the Integrated Development Application System to reassess the application,” Mr Lucas said. “It is based on this reassessment, taking into account all the relevant agencies and their concerns for the local environment that I have decided to refuse the development.” |