Miles Doing What Matters: Work underway on Cairns Water Security Project

• Construction starts on Cairns Water Security Project Stage 1
• Miles Labor Government significantly increases funding for Cairns Water Security Project to $195 million
• Project expected to support more-than 1,600 jobs and will cater for the region’s population growth

Premier Steven Miles, Water Minister Glenn Butcher and Labor MPs have joined Cairns Mayor Amy Eden to mark construction commencement on the Cairns Water Security Project Stage 1 today.

The Miles Government increased funding for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project to $195 million in the recent state budget. This is an additional $87.5 million from the State and complements the $107.5 million committed by the Albanese Government.

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.

In addition, the Water Security Program will also help deliver flood protection works at the Behana Creek intake, an essential measure to help water supply continuity and water quality 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.

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.

The Miles Labor Government’s $195 million funding builds on its extensive record of support for Cairns’ water security. Previous commitments to bolster the city’s water supplies include  upgrades to the Freshwater Creek Water Treatment Plant and improvements to the Earlville Trunk Sewers, which both received support through the Building our Regions program.

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 Senator for Queensland Nita Green:

“It’s great to see construction commencing on this critical project which will support Cairns and our region well into the future. 

“The Federal Government kick-started this project by contributing $107.5 million.

“We are looking forward to working with all levels of government on the project’s progression.”

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 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 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.”

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 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.”

Further Information:

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

ENDS