Construction now underway on $472m Cairns Water Security Project Stage 1

Construction is now underway on the $472 million Cairns Water Security Project Stage 1 which will help strengthen the region’s future water supply. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $107.5 million and $195 million respectively, and the Cairns Regional Council will provide the remainder to fully fund the development. 

“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,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

“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,” Senator for Queensland Nita Green said. 

The project will deliver: 

• A water intake at the Mulgrave River, near the Desmond Trannore Bridge in Gordonvale 

• A water treatment plant and water reservoirs on Council land located at the end of Jones Road in Gordonvale 

• A network of pipes to take raw water to the treatment plant and treated water from the plant to residents 

This Water Security Program will also help deliver flood protection works at the Behana Creek intake, which is an essential measure to help water supply continuity and water quality during floods. In addition, the existing treatment plant at Behana is going to be replaced by the new treatment plant at Gordonvale. 

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

“This project will help future proof the region, not only supporting jobs during the construction, but ensuring families, businesses and farmers can access sustainable, consistent and reliable drinking water,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Cities Jenny McAllister said. 

“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,” QLD Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said. 

Cairns Regional Council has awarded John Holland Queensland a $325.5 million contract to design and construct the Cairns Water Security Project Stage 1 in December 2023 following a 12-month procurement process. 

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed in 2026, with project construction anticipated to support more than 1,600 jobs over its life. 

“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,” Tourism and Sport Minister and Cairns MP Michael Healy said. 

“We’ve always backed the importance of this project. Cairns residents and local industries need water security,” Barron Rover MP Craig Crawford said. 

“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,” Speaker of Parliament and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said. 

“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,” Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Cairns Regional Council (1, 2); Australian Government – National Water Grid