General News
30 September, 2025
$472m water project reaches halfway stage
THE new $472 million water source for the Cairns region has reached the halfway stage.
More than 850 workers have been employed, including 104 First Nations people, and more than $59m invested with local businesses across a range of industries.
Key construction achievements to date:
Completion of all concrete works for the new water treatment plant
Completion of all concrete works for the eight megalitre and five megalitre reservoirs
12km of pipeline laid, marking more than one third of work on the new 30km distribution network
Construction has started on the three-storey control building
About 140 local businesses from a range of industries are involved.
The Australian and Queensland governments are each providing $195m for the project, with the balance of funding coming from Cairns Regional Council.
Construction work is on track for completion in mid-2026, weather permitting.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said it was a significant project that would help support future growth in the Cairns region.
“In the last 12 months a lot of work has been done and local businesses and workers are benefiting, with more than $59m invested with local businesses as part of the project,” he said.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said more people were choosing to live and holiday in the region.
“But that also means more pressure on our water system, which is exactly what this project is designed to address,” she said.
“This is the largest project ever undertaken by Cairns Regional Council and at the halfway mark I’m pleased to say we’re on track and on budget.
“While there’s still a way to go, the benefits are already flowing back to the community, through jobs, local business spending and the boost that brings to our economy.”
State Member for Barron River Bree James said the project would “ensure a safe and secure water supply for Cairns’ growing population and its large number of tourists every year that visit to enjoy everything that Cairns and Far North Queensland has to offer”.
She said the growing population and a booming tourism sector was putting a strain on water supplies.
