QLD Source: Cairns Water Security Project - Stage 1

Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project: Ensuring Sustainable Growth and Resilience for Future Generations

In recent years, water security has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges faced by communities worldwide. For Cairns Regional Council, securing a sustainable and resilient water supply is essential for supporting its rapidly growing population, thriving tourism industry, and unique natural environment. The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project is the Council’s comprehensive response to ensure a resilient and reliable water system that will serve the Cairns community for the coming years.

The Need for Water Security in Cairns

Cairns is renowned for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests, attracting millions of tourists every year. At the same time, the city’s permanent population has been steadily increasing alongside a large tourist population. This growth, coupled with climate variability, has put significant pressure on local water resources. Projections indicate that the demand for water will soon surpass the current supply capacity, especially during peak dry seasons and prolonged drought periods.

As Council’s Mayor recently stated, “Cairns is a beautiful part of the world, and we understand why more people are moving here and visiting here, which is adding more pressure to the water system. We know that every drop of water counts, especially when every drop is underpinned by significant capital investment.”

Recognizing the urgency, Cairns Regional Council initiated the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project to develop a robust and adaptive water supply augmentation. Conservation efforts and demand management programs have helped reduce water usage across the region and delay the need for infrastructure to be built until now.

Project Objectives

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project focuses on critical objectives to ensure sustainable water management:

1. Securing an Additional Water Supply: The primary goal was to identify and develop new water sources that can reliably meet future demand.
2. Protecting the Natural Environment: Cairns' environment is integral to its identity, with ecosystems that are sensitive to water extraction and management practices. The Council is committed to balancing the need for water with the protection of the natural landscape.
   
   

Key Components of the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project includes several stages and initiatives designed to secure long-term water availability.

• New Water Treatment Plant: A 60ML Water Treatment Plant will be constructed on a greenfield site, improving upon Council’s existing Behana Water Treatment Plant of 40ML, and a new source at the Mulgrave River.
• The Mulgrave River: One of the project’s initial actions is tapping into the Mulgrave River to secure another 20ML of critical water for the region. This new water source will supplement Cairns’ existing supply helping to alleviate pressure on the region’s main water sources.
• Reservoir, Pipelines and Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrading infrastructure is essential to support the growing population. As part of the project, Council will also be improving the resilience of the Behana Creek intake and associated structures. To deliver a reliable water supply, a new 30km network of both raw water and treated water pipelines needs to be installed underground between Behana Gorge, Aloomba and the water treatment plant site at Jones Road, Gordonvale. Careful consideration of the community and the impacts of such a large project have been workshopped and managed collaboratively with both Council and John Holland as part of the project.

John Holland as the principal contractor along with Cairns Regional Council and project partners, have developed a collaborative relationship approach to the project which is a key component to see the project through to completion in 2026. Through this partnership, challenges, opportunities, and solutions are addressed jointly, enabling efficient planning and effective prioritisation of works to benefit all stakeholders.

Community Involvement and Indigenous Engagement

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project acknowledges the critical role that local residents, businesses, and Traditional Custodians play in sustainable water management. The Council has been actively engaging with the community through workshops, forums, and public consultations to gather input and address any concerns. Traditional Custodian engagement is also a central aspect of the project, ensuring the region's Traditional Custodians are involved in all aspects of the project collaboratively.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project reflects Cairns Regional Council’s vision for a sustainable future, where the community can thrive without compromising the natural resources that make the region unique. By investing in innovative solutions and strengthening resilience to climate change, the Council aims to protect water availability for future generations.

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about ensuring that the people of Cairns can continue to enjoy a high quality of life in harmony with the environment. With the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, Cairns is well on its way to securing a water-resilient future, embodying the vision of a community that values and safeguards its most precious resource.