We're delighted the Queensland Government has increased its commitment to Cairns Water Security Stage 1 by $87.5 million to $195 million, recognising the critical importance of this project for our community, and we thank our advocacy partners for their strong support in securing these funds for our city.
In particular, we'd like to express our sincere gratitude to local State Members Curtis Pitt, Michael Healy and Craig Crawford who, alongside Council, were tireless in advocating for this outcome on our city's behalf.
We'd also like to thank our key advocacy partners Advance Cairns, Cairns Chamber of Commerce, RDA Tropical North, TTNQ and FNQROC.
Importantly, I want to thank my fellow Councillors who provided their unanimous support for this project as the new Council's number one advocacy priority - it's been a collective team effort over a number of years to deliver this significant win for our community.
This funding will provide substantial relief to our ratepayers, who are facing significant cost-of-living pressures and the financial impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
But our work is not done.
While we appreciate the State Government's increased commitment, additional funding from the Federal Government is still needed. It's essential both levels of Government contribute equally to the project to ensure drinking water is secured for Cairns.
The State Government has stepped up for our community and we'll now work with the State to secure a matched Federal commitment. Such a commitment on this project would send the message to the people of Cairns that all three levels of government are optimistic about the future prosperity of the city.
We know the Federal Government supports the project as they've already committed funding to it, and we know Federal budget includes significant reserves for "decisions taken but not yet announced and not for publication".
We also know that projects deliver the best community outcomes when all three levels of government work together, so we'll continue to advocate for increased Federal support.
The Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project has unanimous support from the Council, local State and Federal members of Parliament, and our advocacy partners.
