New $472 million water source for Cairns region closer than ever

• Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project reaches halfway milestone
• More than 850 workers employed, including 104 First Nations workers
• More than $59 million invested with local businesses across a range of industries
• Significant construction achievements to date, including completion of all concrete
  works on the water treatment plant

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project in Queensland has reached a major milestone, with 50 percent of construction now complete.

This is a significant achievement for this important water security project, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council.

Key construction achievements to date:

• completion of all concrete works for the new water treatment plant
• completion of all concrete works for the 8 megalitre and 5 megalitre reservoirs
• 12 km of pipeline laid, marking more than one third of work on the new 30 km distribution network
• construction started on the three-storey control building.

The project has so far injected more than $59 million into the local economy through partnerships with 140 local businesses from a range of industries.

The Australian and Queensland governments are each providing $195 million to the project, with the balance of funding coming from Cairns Regional Council. Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.

Construction work is on track for completion in mid-2026, weather permitting.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith:

“This is a really significant project that will help support future growth in the Cairns region.

“In the last 12 months a lot of work has been done, and local businesses and workers are benefiting, with more than $59 million invested with local businesses as part of the project.

“This project was a priority for me when I was standing at the last Federal Election, and I’m pleased to see the Albanese Government supporting major water infrastructure projects in Far North Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Barron River, Bree James:

“This work will ensure a safe and secure water supply for Cairns’ growing population and its large number of tourists every year that visit to enjoy everything that Cairns and Far North Queensland has to offer.

“Cairns is thriving, with a growing population and a booming tourism sector, however those successes put a strain on water supplies – this work is vital to ensure that locals and visitors alike can access safe, reliable water at the flick of the tap.

“Planning for future population growth and ensuring your community will have clean and reliable water for years to come is challenging and expensive. I congratulate the Cairns Regional Council on reaching this significant milestone and I congratulate contractor John Holland on its success so far.

“It’s also great to see that this project is benefiting the local community so significantly, with more than 130 local businesses supplying the project and more than 700 jobs created to date. Positive economic ripples will continue to be felt throughout the region well into next year.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden:

“We’re really proud of the progress being made on this major piece of infrastructure, which is all about securing Cairns’ future – making sure we can support our growing population, strengthen our resilience, and continue to welcome visitors who value our city’s liveability and reputation.

“Cairns is a stunning part of the world, and it’s easy to see why more people are choosing to live and holiday here.

“But that also means more pressure on our water system, which is exactly what this project is designed to address.

“This is the largest project ever undertaken by Cairns Regional Council, and at the halfway mark I’m pleased to say we’re on track and on budget.

“While there’s still a way to go, the benefits are already flowing back to the community, through jobs, local business spending, and the boost that brings to our economy.

“I also want to acknowledge the $390 million in funding from the Queensland and Australian Governments, which is helping deliver long-term water security for our city while easing the financial burden on local residents.

“This project is a great example of the three levels of government working in partnership to deliver positive outcomes for our community.”

Snapshot of the halfway mark

• 140 local businesses within the Cairns local government area have supplied works to the project.
• Four First Nations businesses have supplied goods and services to the project.
• More than $59 million has been invested with local businesses as part of the project.
• More than 1,500 m3 of concrete has been poured for the dissolved air flotation and filtration plant.
• Concrete works for the 5 megalitre and 8 megalitre reservoirs completed. More than 1,260 cubic metres of concrete has been used to construct both reservoirs.
• The 8 megalitre earth pad required for the 8 megalitre reservoir involved a 14 m cut into the hill. This included removing more than 30,000 m3 of dirt (approx. 5,000 m3 of softer material and 25,000 m3 of rock in varying strengths).
• More than 4,800 m3 of concrete has been poured as part of the entire project so far (enough to fill almost two Olympic swimming pools).
• 12 km of the planned 30 km pipeline has been installed between Aloomba, Behana Gorge and Gordonvale.
• More than 850 workers employed, including 104 First Nations workers.