The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator Nita Green, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef 

A secure water future is being delivered for Cairns, with the Albanese Labor Government delivering on its $107.5 million election commitment to the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project.

The project will deliver a secure water supply for the Cairns community, ensuring sustainable, consistent and reliable drinking water is available to service the growing population.  

Once complete the new water treatment plant, water reservoirs and distribution network will provide a modern, integrated and long-term water security solution to service Cairns now and into the future. 

The project will deliver a new drinking water supply to the region by enhancing existing supplies from Copperlode Falls Dam, Behana Creek and smaller rural intakes across the region. 

The investment comes as part of the Labor’s expansion of the National Water Grid Investment Framework to allow funding for a wider range of water supply projects including essential town water projects in regional and remote communities. 

Early works are expected to start next year following completion of the business case in late 2022, with construction anticipated to commence in 2024.  

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and delivered in partnership with Cairns Regional Council.

Quotes from the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

“I am proud to be delivering on this critical election commitment to secure drinking water supply for Cairns.
 

“Water is our most precious resource. But there are risks to Cairn’s future water security due to population growth, aging infrastructure and climate change.

“We know water security and availability is crucial for families, and for economic growth. The population of the Cairns community in far-north Queensland continues to grow, and planning for the future is now more important than ever. 

“The Government knows that every community needs a secure water supply – and Cairns will have one with the delivery of this joint-funded project.”

Quotes from Senator Nita Green: 

“This $107.5 million is investing in the future of Cairns and the region.  

“This project will deliver a new drinking water supply by enhancing existing supplies from Copperlode Falls Dam and Behana Creek. There will be a new water treatment plant, water reservoirs and a new distribution network. 

“Cairns needs water security and an Albanese Labor Government will deliver it. We are future proofing our region through our $107.5 million investment which will not only support jobs along the way, but give confidence to local residents, businesses and farmers about our water supply into the future.”