Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project

The project involves building:

• a water intake at the Mulgrave River, near the Desmond Trannore Bridge, Gordonvale;
• a water treatment plant and water reservoirs, on Council land located on Draper Road/Hickling Access, Gordonvale; and
• a network of pipes to take raw water to the treatment plant and treated water from the plant to residents.

Flood protection works will be undertaken at Council’s Behana Creek intake as part of the project, to improve the quality and resilience of that water source. The existing treatment plant at Behana will be made redundant by the new water treatment plant being built at Gordonvale.

In December 2023, Council awarded the $325.5 million CWSS1 Design and Construct Contract to John Holland Queensland Pty Ltd (JHQ), following a rigorous 12+ month procurement process. Council will now work with JHQ to develop a detailed project design, with construction to commence in mid-2024, and project completion in 2026.

Visit the project website for more information.

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 the lands covered by the project area, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji, and Madjandji peoples. We extend this respect to all Elders past, present and future.

Funding Acknowledgement

Thanks to strong community and business support, Council has secured a $215 million contribution from the State and Federal Governments ($107.5 million each) towards the project’s capital cost.

Following the unprecedented flooding as a result of Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, Council is now seeking additional funding commitments of $128.5 million ($236 million total) from each level of government, which will provide much-needed disaster relief while addressing cost-of-living pressures.

We look forward to working with both levels of government, and the community, to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure.