Economic benefits to flow into Port Douglas after reservoir upgrade

Local businesses, residents and tourists in Port Douglas will benefit from a new 20 megalitre reservoir, thanks to a $13 million-plus funding partnership between the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, and Douglas Shire Council.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the water security realised through the infrastructure will generate newfound confidence for the town’s major businesses, and will encourage local operators to upgrade and expand their enterprises.

“The new reservoir will provide a safe and reliable water supply for the 4500 locals and 1.2 million tourists who spend an estimated $400 million in the region each year,” Mr Dick said.

“It will also provide increased disaster resilience in the event of power loss, while reducing the need for water restrictions.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the project supported approximately 35 jobs during the construction phase.

“This upgrade is vital for improving environmental health and water quality in the local area,” Ms Lui said.

“Standing at 54 metres, the increased height of this gravity-fed system also means the reservoir will be significantly more energy efficient.”

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the project consists of a 20 megalitre concrete reservoir, dedicated inlet and outlet mains, and 640 metres of access road.

“The Palaszczuk Government contributed $5 million in funding through the Building our Regions program, while Douglas Shire Council and the Commonwealth Government contributed $1.745 million and $6.745 million, respectively,” Mr Pitt said.

“This new reservoir, and its associated water mains, will alleviate a range of issues – insufficient storage, low pressure and deteriorating pipes – with huge flow-on benefits for businesses and the community.”

Building our Regions has allocated $225 million towards 174 critical infrastructure projects across 62 local governments in regional Queensland, supporting approximately 1762 jobs.

Another $70 million is available under Round 4 of the program, with successful projects expected to be announced in late 2018.

For more information about the program and this project, visit the Building our Regions website.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561