Key water treatment product to be manufactured in Townsville
by Cecilia Harris
With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting imports of essential products, the Queensland Government has partnered with a Townsville-based manufacturer to produce a key water treatment product for the first time in the state.
Townsville industrial chemical producer Cleveland Bay Chemical Company (CBCC) will manufacture the reagent with support from the government’s $50 million Essential Goods and Supply Chain Program.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said a key element of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan is strengthening the state’s manufacturing capability.
“COVID-19 has taught us the importance of sovereign manufacturing capability. It’s about making more things in Queensland for Queenslanders by Queenslanders,” he said.
“That’s why our government is backing Cleveland Bay Chemical Company so they can begin manufacturing aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH) in Townsville.
“This product is best practice when it comes to the treatment of drinking water and wastewater, and now we’re going to produce it in Queensland. Currently we have to import ACH from overseas or interstate, but that won’t be the case for much longer.”
The state’s Essential Goods and Supply Chain Program will support CBCC to upgrade their facility and infrastructure in order to manufacture the water treatment aid.
“This growth will create 10 new jobs during construction and two additional operational jobs at CBCC’s Townsville facility,” Dick said.
Materials sourced from Queensland
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the benefits of this investment will be widespread for employment.
“Townsville steel fabricators NEM Group will likely have to put on new staff to keep up with the maintenance needs of this facility upgrade,” Miles said.
“CBCC are also going to make ACH using materials sourced entirely from Queensland, which will prove a boost to other manufacturers along the supply chain.”
CBCC Director Geoff Whebell said the upgraded plant would support Queensland market demand for ACH, replace the need for foreign imports and add value to locally sourced raw materials.
"The ACH will be manufactured using Queensland materials, including aluminium from Gladstone, and provided to industries and councils for water and wastewater treatment,” Whebell said.
“This will significantly expand our offer of water treatment products and allow us to explore new market opportunities.”
