The $472 million Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project has reached the halfway mark, a major milestone in securing a safe and reliable water supply for the region’s growing population and thriving tourism industry.
This work will ensure a safe and secure water supply for Cairns’ growing population and its large number of tourists every year that visit to enjoy everything that Cairns and Far North Queensland has to offer.
Cairns is thriving, with a growing population and a booming tourism sector, however those successes put a strain on water supplies – this work is vital to ensure that locals and visitors alike can access safe, reliable water at the flick of the tap.
Planning for future population growth and ensuring your community will have clean and reliable water for years to come is challenging and expensive. I congratulate the Cairns Regional Council on reaching this significant milestone and I congratulate contractor John Holland on its success so far.
The project is already delivering strong local benefits through jobs and business opportunities:
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More than 700 jobs created so far
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Over 130 local businesses supplying goods and services
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More than $59 million invested locally
It’s also great to see that this project is benefiting the local community so significantly, with more than 130 local businesses supplying the project and more than 700 jobs created to date. Positive economic ripples will continue to be felt throughout the region well into next year.
The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Cairns Regional Council. Once complete in 2026 (weather permitting), it will:
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Deliver a new water intake at the Mulgrave River
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Provide a state-of-the-art water treatment plant at Gordonvale
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Add two new reservoirs
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Strengthen resilience at Behana Creek intake to better withstand floods and extreme weather
This is a vital investment in the future of our community – making sure we have the clean, reliable water supply we need to support growth, protect liveability, and continue to welcome visitors to our beautiful region.
