Queensland Budget delivers funding boost to Cairns water security

The below media release has been issued by The Honourable Glenn Butcher.

MEDIA RELEASE Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water The Honourable Glenn Butcher

The Miles Government is strengthening water security for Cairns, using the recent state budget to increase funding toward 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 next steps for the project, including project commencement in August 2024.

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

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

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

In addition, flood protection works will be undertaken at council’s Behana Creek intake, improving the quality and resilience of that water source which is an essential measure to help with 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.

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

As a funding partner, the Miles Labor Government will continue to work closely with council to see this important water security project progress.

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 and then is extracted and delivered to the water treatment plant.

Construction is expected to commence in August 2024, weather permitting, and the project is expected to be complete in 2026. Construction is expected to support more-than 1,600 construction jobs.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“I am doing what matters for Queenslanders, which means delivering water security Cairns because we know this region is growing.

“Our vocal local MPs, the Council and the community have all said that water security is a priority for Cairns, so we are listening and delivering.

“My first Budget as Premier has a strong focus on cost-of-living and by investing $195 million into this project, we can help Council keep their costs down and this benefits ratepayers.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“We back our Councils, and we back Cairns – we’re always there to help Councils with their water infrastructure needs.

“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.

“When last in government, David Crisafulli said Councils were sitting on a gold mine – and pressured Councils to collect debts from elderly ratepayers struggling to pay bills. A Labor government will always work in partnership with Councils to support them in delivering the infrastructure and services our growing regions need.

“My Shadow Minister flew to Port Douglas a few weeks ago. When asked ‘what would she do’ – she said she’d ‘continue discussions’ with Councils. You’d think the LNP would have a plan by now. But they keep stringing Councils along, with no plans – other than to cut.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism and Sport Minister and Cairns MP, Michael Healy:

“Water security will future proof Cairns.

“This announcement will secure the water needs for the future growth of our city and region.

“We know cost of living is a challenge. We’re doing everything we can 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.”

Quotes attributable to Barron River MP, Craig Crawford:

“Water is life.

“We’ve always backed the importance of this project. Cairns residents and local industries need water security.

“Our Labor government has come through with this funding and now we need the Commonwealth to step up.”

Quotes attributable to Speaker of Parliament and Mulgrave MP, Curtis Pitt:

“This isn’t just an infrastructure project – it’s a cost of living project. This $195 million is $195 million Council doesn’t have to stump up on its own; which is driving down rates and water bills thanks to the Queensland Government.

“I’m proud to be part of a team in FNQ that is delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns Regional Council, Mayor Amy Eden:

“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.

“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.

“The increased commitment delivers significant cost-of-living relief which shows the Queensland Government is listening and appreciate how critical this project is for our community and our city’s future.

“Cairns and the surrounding region is a beautiful part of the world and we understand why people are moving here to make their home.

“In addition, we have a high tourism population adding more pressure to the water system.

“We have made really good progress working to educate Cairns residents to be waterwise but there is potential for even more to be achieved.

“In particular, there are good opportunities with the transient populations through our tourism operators about the importance of conserving water and careful water use so that everyone – residents and visitors alike – uses water wisely.

“We know that every drop counts especially when every drop is underpinned by significant capital investment.”