Huge funding boost to Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project

The Queensland Government is strengthening Cairns' water security by increasing funding for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project to $195 million.

The Queensland Government is strengthening Cairns’ water security by increasing funding for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project to $195 million.

This is an additional $87.5 million from the State and complements the $107.5 million committed by the Albanese Government.

Water Minister Glenn Butcher met with Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden and local MPs Minister Michael Healy and Craig Crawford to discuss the increased funding from the State government and the project’s next steps, including commencement in August 2024.

“We back our Councils, and we back Cairns – we’re always there to help Councils with their water infrastructure needs,” said Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher. “I know this is such an important water security project, and I look forward to working with Mayor Eden and the Council team to see construction kick-off in the coming months.”

Minister Butcher also inspected the Freshwater Creek Water Treatment Plant and spoke with Mayor Eden about the measures being implemented by the Council to further bolster the region’s water security, including the installation of smart meters and other water-saving measures.

“Water security will future-proof Cairns,” Tourism and Sport Minister and Cairns MP Michael Healy said. “This announcement will secure the water needs for the future growth of our city and region. We know the cost of living is a challenge. We’re doing everything possible to work with Council to keep their rates as low as possible. I thank my fellow Far North MPs for their advocacy, and we’ve managed to get this budget funding over the line on behalf of our constituents.”

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project will strengthen Cairns’ future water supply. It includes a new water intake at the Mulgrave River, a new water treatment plant, water reservoirs at Gordonvale, and supporting infrastructure to connect the new intake to the existing water network.

The $195 million funding from the Queensland Government builds on existing State government investments in Cairns’ water security, including the Freshwater Creek Water Treatment Plant upgrade, which received more than $1 million through the Building our Regions Round 6 grant program.

In addition, flood protection works will be undertaken at the Council’s Behana Creek intake, improving the quality and resilience of that water source. This is essential to helping with the continuity of water supplies in times of flood. The existing treatment plant at Behana will be replaced by the new water treatment plant being built at Gordonvale.

“We’re delighted the State Government has increased its commitment to Cairns Water Security Stage 1 to $195 million, recognising the critical importance of this project for our community,” said Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden. “The increased commitment delivers significant cost-of-living relief, which shows that the Queensland government is listening and appreciates how critical this project is for our community and our city’s future. We have made good progress working to educate Cairns residents to be water-wise, but there is potential for even more to be achieved.

In December 2023, Cairns Regional Council awarded John Holland Queensland a design and construction contract after a rigorous 12-month procurement process.

As a funding partner, the Queensland Government will continue to work closely with the Council to ensure the progress of this vital water security project.

The new Mulgrave River intake will draw water from the river through the riverbank, filtering it through sand and gravel as it moves to the intake. The water will then be extracted and delivered to the water treatment plant.

Construction is expected to commence in August 2024, weather permitting. The project is expected to be completed in 2026. Construction is expected to support more than 1,600 construction jobs.

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