Water Efficiency Strategy 2026-2035

Cairns is growing, and with this growth comes increased demand for water and greater pressure on our natural systems.

That's why Council is developing a Water Efficiency Strategy to deliver on our commitment to long-term, responsible water management. By acting now, we can reduce demand, protect our environment, and ensure our region is resilient, propserous and sustainable well into the future.

Planning for water efficiency is an investment into the future of our city. This future-focused approach ensures we have the right tools, infrastructure, and policies in place so Council and the community can work together to secure our water future.

In doing so, it also reduces pressure on our environment, supports healthy ecosystems, and helps ensure future generations inherit a liveable and sustainable region.

How we are engaging with the community

Council is working closely with community members and key stakeholders to make sure the Water Efficiency Strategy reflects the needs and priorities of our wider community. We are doing this through the following two groups:

• Water Efficiency Advisory Group (WEAG): The WEAG brings together representatives from Cairns' economic, cultural, governance, and environmental sectors.  Their role is to share insights on regional water use and contribute ideas to shape the Strategy, ensuring the diverse needs of all sectors are considered.
• Community Reference Group (CRG): The CRG is made up of everyday community members from Council's Towards 2050 Community Panel. They will share their experiences of using water at home and suggest practical ways we can save water across Cairns.

What we have heard

In early 2026,  Council began engaging with the community to help shape the Water Efficiency Strategy. We are pleased to share the Community Insights Report, which summarises what we heard during the first phase of engagement.

The Community Insights Report provides more information about each of these key themes.

Click here to read the report

We are now in Phase 2 of the project. Council will continue to work with the Water Efficiency Advisory Group to develop the Water Efficiency Strategy, incorporating their insights to support improved water efficiency across Cairns.

Project phases

Council is developing the Water Efficiency Strategy across three project phases. Each project phase will capture different technical input and community insights.

Stay informed

Council is committed to keeping you up to date as we work to secure our water future.

For more information on current projects, please visit Cairns Water Supply | Updates and FAQs.