Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project

Project overview

The project involves building:

• a water intake at the Mulgrave River, near the Desmond Trannore Bridge, Gordonvale;
• a water treatment plant and water reservoirs (with storage capacities of 5ML and 8ML), on Council land located at the end of Jones Road, Gordonvale
• a new network of pipeline of approximately 30 kilometres of a mix of steel concrete-lined pipe, PVC, and polyethylene pipe to take raw water to the treatment plant and treated water from the plant to residents.
• Flood protection works at Behana Creek intake, to improve the quality and resilience of that water supply. The existing treatment plant at Behana will be made redundant by the new water treatment plant being built at Gordonvale.

Once operational, the facility will supply up to 60 megalitres of treated water per day significantly boosting the region’s water supply capacity.

Project Funding

• The total capital cost of the project is $472 million. Thanks to strong community and business support, Council has secured $195 million from the Queensland Government and $195 million from the Federal Government towards the project’s cost. With the Federal Government matching the State Government’s commitment, this will deliver $390 million, which is more than 80% of the project’s total cost, with Council to fund the remainder.
• Cairns Regional Council (Council) awarded the $325.5 million Design and Construct Contract for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project to John Holland Queensland (JHQ) in December 2023. The project commenced mid 2024 and remains on track for future operation in early 2027.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) project is being developed on Yidinji Country. Cairns Regional Council acknowledges and pays our respects to the Traditional Custodians of our region, the Djabugay; Yirrganydji; Buluwai; Gimuy Walubara Yidinji; Mandingalbay Yidinji; Gunggandji; Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji; Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji; Madjandji; Mamu and Ngadjon Jii peoples. We extend this respect to all elders past, present and future, and other First Peoples within our region.

Funding acknowledgement

This National Water Grid project is funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and delivered in partnership with Cairns Regional Council.

Visit the project website for more information.