General News
24 April, 2022
COUNCIL WELCOMES Warren Entsch’s commitment to water security
CAIRNS Regional Council has warmly welcomed the Federal Liberal National Party Government’s commitment of $107.5 million towards the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 Project.
It particularly acknowledges the support and advocacy of Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch in securing that commitment.
“Council recognises that Warren has been a long-term advocate on the water security issue for Cairns and Far North Queensland,” Acting Mayor Cr Terry James said.
“Warren has always said he wasn’t going to stand idly by and watch our city run out of water, and we know how hard he has been working to secure this commitment for our community.
“To his credit, he said he would deliver, now he has, and we are grateful for his effort and the outcome.”
Cr James also acknowledged the work of Senator Susan McDonald, Special Envoy for Northern Australia, who has been a strong advocate for the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project and the region and has also supported the funding request at the federal level.
“Commitments like this, which support critical infrastructure for drinking water, are exactly the type of investment needed to grow and prosper our region and are a clear example of how the Northern Australia Policy can deliver positive outcomes for our community,” Cr James said.
“With Warren and the KAP’s support, both sitting MPs affected by the project are fully committed. But we need the other federal candidates and parties to commit quickly and unequivocally with guaranteed dollars.
“Council won’t rest until certainty is secured across the board so that residents get their fair share in water funding from all candidates and parties and a matching commitment from the Queensland Government, noting the considerable funds the State Government has committed elsewhere in the Queensland.
“So, the fight goes on. “There are now 37 days to the Federal election and a bit over two months until the State budget for the respective other parties and the State to finally commit and help turn the tap on for Cairns so Australia’s and Queensland’s largest wet tropics city doesn’t risk running out of drinking water.
“There can be no small targets when it comes to securing drinking water for our region.”
