Works underway to restore critical water infrastructure

Fast-tracked remediation works are underway to bring two of Council’s largest reservoirs back into service. It will strengthen water storage capacity ahead of the next wet season.

Contractors are now onsite at the Bayview and Brinsmead reservoirs, undertaking the $24 million project to remove and replace the roofs on both structures and complete relining prior to recommissioning.

The reservoirs were taken offline in mid-2024 for maintenance and refurbishment which uncovered deterioration to the roofs that requires full replacements.

CEO Cairns Regional Council, Ken Gouldthorp said they planned to deliver the works across both sites in tandem to accelerate the program.

“In order to complete a project of this scale, extensive scaffolding is required,” he said.

“By removing only half of each roof at a time, crews can dismantle and reposition scaffolding more efficiently.

“While that is happening at one site, crews can continue work at the other – reducing downtime and keeping the overall project moving.”

Unlike the original concrete structures, the new roofs will be predominantly metal, offering a lighter, more durable solution. This achieves less structural stress on the aged reservoir walls and aims to prolong longevity of the existing reservoir structures.

Mr Gouldthorp added that bringing these two reservoirs back online remains a priority before the next wet season.

“Investing in the $24 million critical roof replacement works will assist to safeguard our water supply where treatment pauses due to maintenance or heavy rain,” he said.

“During the wetter months, heavy downpours can cause dirty water that can’t filter through our system. When this occurs, we are reliant on water stored in our reservoirs until treatment can recommence.

“We’ve effectively managed consistent water supply through the past two years, with a lot of effort. The community have been a huge support, adhering to permanent water conservation measures and two temporary water restriction periods.”

The remediation works form part of Council’s Reservoir Emergent Works Program, with significant funding set to be allocated to the program in the forthcoming 2026/27 Budget.

John Holland Queensland Pty Ltd, already mobilised locally through the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) project, has been engaged to deliver the roof replacement works.

Council is also proceeding with Geo technical work and preliminary design for a replacement University 2 Reservoir with the intent of proceeding to open tender at the end of this calendar year.

Replacement of the existing University 20 megalitre reservoir, which is continuing to operate at reduced capacity since ground movement impacted its structural integrity, is essential to the ultimate solution for the northern sector of Cairns.