Work starts on critical water project

Mayor Amy Eden was joined by (from left) Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Cities Senator Jenny McAllister, Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Senator Nita Green at a ceremony to mark the commencement of construction on the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project.

Construction has started on the biggest infrastructure project undertaken by Cairns Regional Council.

The $472 million Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project is jointly funded by Council and the Australian and Queensland Governments.

The project will secure 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 to the existing water network.

More than 50 people attended a launch ceremony today to mark the start of construction.

Mayor Amy Eden was joined by Premier Steven Miles; the Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Cities, Sen. Jenny McAllister; the Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher; and Rob Evans, Executive General Manager, Infrastructure for our construction partner, John Holland, in signing a large pipe which will be displayed outside the new water treatment plant as a symbol of their collective commitment.

The State Government has committed $195 million to the project, with the Federal Government having pledged $107.5 million.

The project is expected to support more than 1,600 jobs during construction and support the region’s population growth.

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

The new Mulgrave River intake will draw water from the riverbank, filtering it through sand and gravel before it is delivered to the new water treatment plant.

Quotes attributable to Cairns Mayor Amy Eden:

“The project has had strong community and business support, as well as unanimous support across all levels of government.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate the start of construction today with our State and Federal Government partners and leaders from our local community. “This is a vital project for the Cairns community, and I am buoyed by the support across the board to get to this point.”

“Cairns is a beautiful part of the world, and we understand why more people are moving here and visiting here, which is adding more pressure to the water system.”

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

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Water security matters to the people of Cairns, so I am delivering a $195 million investment in this critical project.

“The local MPs here have lobbied hard for this project, so it’s great to see work officially underway.

“This project means the community can rest assured they will have good, stable water supply long into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Cities, Jenny McAllister:

“We know how important water security and availability is for the Cairns community, and for the economic growth of the region.

“It’s why the Albanese Government has invested $107.5 million to ensure a secure water supply for Cairns’ growing population.

“This project will help futureproof the region, not only supporting jobs during the construction, but ensuring families, businesses and farmers can access sustainable, consistent and reliable drinking water.”

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

“We’re always there to help Councils with their water infrastructure needs. The Miles Labor Government’s $195 million boost will future proof Cairns’ water security.

“This isn’t just a water security boost – it is a cost-of-living boost, because our funding is helping Council keep rates and water bills as low as possible.

“The LNP swan into town, they’re happy to meet Councils and pose for photos. But when push comes to shove, the LNP never delivers.

“When last in government, the LNP said councils were ‘sitting on a gold mine’ – and that councils should fund infrastructure themselves. Well, I will always back Councils and Labor will always roll up our sleeves to help Councils like Cairns with their water infrastructure.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport 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.

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.”

From left, Rob Evans, Executive General Manager Infrastructure, John Holland; Queensland Minister for Sport and Tourism and Member for Cairns Michael Healy; Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt, Premier Steven Miles, Member for Barron River Craig Crawford, Mayor Amy Eden, Senator Nita Green, Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher.