Council turns up heat on $215m water project

Cairns Regional Council is pushing a $215 million plan to tap into the Mulgrave River to meet the city’s water needs as a matter of top priority. It is seeking State and Federal backing for the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project to address increased demand, which is projected to exceed existing capacity by 2026. The council currently draws more than 80 per cent of its water from Copperlode Falls Dam on Lake Morris, while also tapping a smaller supply from Behana Creek. Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the Mulgrave River proposal, which council has elevated in priority to its chief advocacy project, would critically expand the city’s water network, improve resilience and support continued economic growth. “Securing and expanding our city’s water supply is critical for our future, which is why Council has made this our number one priority,” Cr Manning said. “Failing to act would stifle our city’s economic growth and deny the next generation the opportunities and prosperity we have all enjoyed.” Copperlode Falls Dam was commissioned in 1976 when Cairns had a population of 58,000. Today that same water source of 38,000 megalitres is servicing a population that is approaching 200,000. “With all the rain we have received recently it may seem strange to talk about the need to boost our water supply, but with the relatively small capacity of Copperlode Dam, all that rainfall has already drained away,” Cr Manning said. “Quite simply, without this new water source, residents can also expect more severe water restrictions more often. “Importantly, this project delivers a supply like a dam, but it is significantly cheaper and has a lighter environmental footprint.” While the council had introduced water efficiency initiatives over the past 15 years, he said there would be an unacceptable risk of demand outstripping supply by 2026 without new capacity. “We know the Federal and State Governments have already invested in other water security projects in Queensland, which is the sort of investment that we applaud, which is why we see this project as being one that would merit similar support,” Cr Manning said. “We are acutely aware that there is increasing demand for agricultural water on the Atherton Tablelands. “By not taking water from the Barron, this project helps support the continued growth of the agriculture sector in our region – what’s good for the region is good for Cairns.” Planning for the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project is well advanced with construction forecast to take two years and be completed by 30 June 2026. The council said the project had widespread support from key stakeholders including Advanced Cairns, Cairns, TTNQ, Chamber of Commerce, FNQROC, Regional Development Australia – Tropical North, and urban Development Institute of Australia (Queensland). It plans to launch a community awareness campaign in the next month to inform residents about the project and why it is critical to the city’s future.

Council turns up heat on $215m water project

Industry Queensland

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