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, 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.

Procurement & how to get involved

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. Council is working with JHQ to develop a detailed project design, with construction to commence in mid-2024, and project completion in 2026.

To register your interest as a supplier or subcontractor to provide products and services on this project, please send your information to cwss1community@jhg.com.au.

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

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