$87.5 million to ensure water security for Cairns

The Australian Government will provide a $87.5 million lifeline to secure the future of Cairns' drinking water supply.

The Australian Government will provide a $87.5 million lifeline to secure the future of Cairns’ drinking water supply.

By 2026, the demand for water will exceed the capacity of existing infrastructure, putting the growing region’s reliable water supply at risk.

However, the project’s future to upgrade water resources is currently in doubt as it battles a funding shortfall.

That’s why the Australian Government is committing this additional funding, to seal the deal and guarantee secure and reliable drinking water for the Far North Queenslanders.

“As communities grow, we need to ensure they have the basic infrastructure to support them. Everyone deserves clean, secure water. It’s essential for health, wellbeing, and economic growth,” Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said. “We know just how important this project is for this growing region. We want to end the uncertainty and make sure secure, reliable water is delivered. This commitment makes that possible.”

Without this funding, the regional council may have had to pass the cost onto the community through rate rises. At a time when people are feeling the pressure of the cost of living, the Government wants to stop this from being passed on to residents.

“This isn’t just essential for the people who live in Cairns, but also for the industry who rely on the area. It’s good for Cairns and good for Queensland,” Plibersek said.

The project includes a new water intake at the Mulgrave River, a new water treatment plant and water reservoirs at Gordonvale. It also includes supporting infrastructure to connect the new intake to the existing water network.

Once complete, the new water treatment plant, water reservoirs and distribution network will provide modern, integrated and long-term water security for Cairns.

The project is expected to provide the region with approximately 6.4 gigalitres of extra water each year, a quarter of Cairns’ current annual use.

“This is an incredibly important project for the Cairns region,” Special Envoy for the Barrier Reef Senator Nita Green said. “Our investment will secure the region’s water supply into the future and create good, local jobs throughout its construction.”

The $472 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and delivered in partnership with Cairns Regional Council. This funding brings the Federal Government’s total commitment to $195 million.

Construction commenced in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026, weather permitting.

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