The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator Nita Green, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Senator for Queensland
The Albanese Labor Government will step in to provide a $87.5 million lifeline to make sure the future of Cairns' drinking water supply is secure.
By 2026, demand for water will exceed the capacity of existing infrastructure, which puts a reliable water supply at risk for the growing region.
But the future of the project to upgrade water resources is currently in doubt as it battles a funding shortfall.
That's why the Government is committing this additional funding, to seal the deal and guarantee secure and reliable drinking water for the Far North Queenslanders.
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, we want to stop this being passed onto residents.
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 in Cairns.
The project is expected to provide approximately 6.4 gigalitres of extra water to the region each year, which is a quarter of Cairns' current annual use.
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 for completion in mid-2026, weather permitting.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek:
"As communities grow, we need to make sure they've got the basic infrastructure to support them. Everyone deserves clean, secure water. It's essential for health and wellbeing, and also for economic growth.
"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.
"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."
Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green:
"This is an incredibly important project for the Cairns region.
"Our investment will secure the region's water supply into the future and creating good, local jobs throughout its construction.
"I am proud that our Labor Government, yet again, is delivering the infrastructure that Far North Queenslanders need."