Water
Pressures
The Cairns LGA sits within two major river drainage basins, the Barron and Russell-Mulgrave, with more than 90km of wetlands, including 9km which are nationally important. These support biodiversity, filter sediment, provide recreational and cultural values and protect against extreme climate events such as storm surges and floods. These basins flow into the Great Barrier Reef catchment, which is internationally recognised for its exceptional biodiversity.
Pressures on waterways can typically include water extraction rates, the quality of effluent and stormwater, habitat disturbance, invasive species and unsustainable fishing. Council manages water extraction for drinking water purposes, wastewater treatment processing and resource recovery within statutory guidelines to ensure pressures on the region’s environment remains at acceptable levels.
Water for Cairns’ residents is sourced from 10 rainforest locations before being processed at Council’s treatment plants and stored for use in reservoirs across the region. Total water consumption in Cairns was 25,589 ML in 2021/22, 3.8% above the previous year. This increase is partly explained by population growth, but also includes losses in the water network.
Council’s wastewater facilities processed 20,440 megalitres of wastewater in 2021/22, recycling 9% for use in the Botanic Gardens and nearby golf courses.
Response
Smart Water Meters
Smart Water Meters (SWMs) are digital devices that transmit real-time water use data to Council to identify patterns in water usage and help with early leak detection. Phase 1 of Council’s SWMs project saw the installation of 697 SWMs in Palm Cove and the development of approximately 50% of the associated communications network. Since their installation, Council has detected over 120 leaks and saved an estimated 50 megalitres of water. Phase 2 will see the installation of 55,000 SWMs by 2026.
Smart Catchments
Environmental sensors are installed in Saltwater Creek to monitor, in near real-time, the quality of water flowing through the catchment into the receiving waters of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. This live data is published on Council’s website to inform management responses.
Our water security
The Cairns Water Security - Stage One project is crucial to the future growth and prosperity of the region. The Business Case Options Analysis Report confirms that there could be a shortage of drinking water in Cairns as soon as 2026 and that the Mulgrave River, with a water treatment plant is the preferred source for overcoming this. In comparison to the Tinaroo or proposed Nullinga Dam options, it will meet the 2026 need, have a lighter environmental footprint and be less expensive.
Reef Guardian Action Plan
As a Reef Guardian Council, Council developed the 2020-2024 Reef Guardian Action Plan which outlines actions in response to key threats to the Reef. This includes actions to manage greenhouse gas emissions, land-based run off, coastal development, fishing and marine debris.
Last Updated: 12 July 2023
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