Long-term water security is no longer theoretical for four Far North Queensland towns, following the completion of Queensland’s first project under the Australian Government’s Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative.
The $9 million Cassowary Coast leak reduction project, completed in June 2025, has delivered measurable water savings and improved reliability for the water schemes servicing Innisfail, Nyleta, Tully and Cardwell. More than 25 million litres of water have already been saved through a targeted program of pipe replacement and smart metering.
Delivered under the National Water Grid Fund, the project marks Queensland’s first completed investment through the $211 million WISER program, which is designed to improve water efficiency and long-term security across regional communities.
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Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the project demonstrated how coordinated infrastructure investment can deliver lasting outcomes for regional water security.
“We are delivering infrastructure projects to communities who need better water security,” Minister Watt said.
“The leak reduction project in Cassowary Coast is an example of all levels of government coming together for the people of Queensland.”
“The project outcomes are sustainable, they’re real and they’re securing the critical water needed into the future for the region.”
Replacement of ageing and deteriorating water mains formed the backbone of the project, addressing leakage that had been steadily eroding supply capacity. This was paired with the rollout of smart water meters, giving council, residents and businesses the ability to monitor water use more closely and identify leaks earlier.
Queensland Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the completed works had future-proofed water supply for the Cassowary Coast region.
“I welcome the completion of this necessary project which has future-proofed water for the Cassowary Coast,” Minister Leahy said.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to working with all levels of government to ensure Queenslanders have access to safe, secure and reliable water now and into the future.”
“Smart investments like this are essential for building resilient regional communities and reducing the risk of water disruptions during natural disasters.”
For Cassowary Coast Regional Council, the project represents a significant shift in how its water networks operate.
“The completion marks a major milestone in Council’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure,” Mayor Teresa Millwood said.
“This project is a significant investment in the sustainability of our water supply.”
“By reducing leaks and installing smart technology, we’re improving reliability for our residents and saving ratepayer dollars in the long run.”
The project forms part of a broader WISER investment pipeline across Queensland, with nine towns sharing in $57.2 million of funding to improve water efficiency and sustainability. All projects under the initiative are required to demonstrate clear water savings while ensuring environmental outcomes remain central to planning and delivery.
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green said the Cassowary Coast project showed how modern upgrades could strengthen essential services while conserving water.
“This is a great project that conserves precious water, while delivering up to date infrastructure for Innisfail, Nyleta, Tully and Cardwell,” Minister Green said.
“By replacing sections of the aging pipe network, we’ll stop costly leaks and improve water reliability for the community.”
With smart meters now fully installed in Innisfail and Tully, councils and customers alike have greater visibility of water use, supporting faster responses to leaks and abnormal consumption.
As climate variability and population pressures continue to challenge regional water systems, the Cassowary Coast project provides a clear, early example of how targeted efficiency investments can deliver immediate savings while strengthening long-term water security.