The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project has reached a major construction milestone, with several critical construction components now complete and currently undergoing pre-commissioning activities.
Jointly funded by the Albanese Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, the Crisafulli Government, and delivered in partnership with Cairns Regional Council, the project is making significant progress towards strengthening water security for the Cairns region.
The project includes a new water intake at the Mulgrave River, a new water treatment plant and water reservoirs at Gordonvale. It also includes supporting infrastructure to connect the new intake to the existing water network, as well as flood resilience works at Council’s Behana Creek intake to improve the quality and resilience of that water supply.
Works completed to date include:
- Installation of 30 kilometres of new pipeline, with final connections and testing underway.
- Construction of the ultraviolet (UV) treatment building.
- Roof installation and external works on the 5 megalitre (ML) and 8ML storage reservoirs.
- External construction entering into the final stages on the three-storey administration building, with internal fit-out underway.
Work is currently underway to progress the water treatment plant into commissioning phase, including installation of major mechanical equipment, connection of electricity and associated pipework.
Once complete, the project will deliver a more secure and resilient water supply for now and for future disaster events in the region, improving water quality, increasing storage capacity and ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water to support population growth and future demand.
The project is on track for completion by mid-2027, weather permitting.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the project would allow the Cairns region to grow and prosper.
“This project is critical to set Cairns up for success in the future, and the Albanese Government is very pleased to be investing $195 million to help make this project happen,” Minister Watt said.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the milestone marked another important step in delivering long-term water security for Cairns and Far North Queensland.
“We are seeing major infrastructure delivered across this project, with these elements now progressing into testing and commissioning,” Minister Leahy said.
“This project will provide Cairns with a more secure and resilient water supply for decades to come, and reaching this stage reflects the strong partnership between all levels of government to deliver this critical investment.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the project was already benefiting locals.
“The Cairns region is already feeling the flow on effects of delivering a major infrastructure project locally, with more than $144 million injected into the local economy through partnerships with 164 local businesses.”
“So far during construction, the project has created jobs, with more than 1,343 people employed to work on the project, including a range of businesses – formwork, earthworks, pipe laying and other construction requirements.”
State Member for Barron River Bree James said Cairns is growing fast and our water infrastructure needs to keep pace with that growth.
“This project will give our community greater confidence in the security and reliability of our water supply, while also strengthening our resilience when disaster strikes,” Ms James said.
“Reaching this milestone is a great result for Cairns and another important step towards securing the water our community needs now and into the future.”
Senator for Queensland and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green said it was exciting to see construction reach the testing phase.
“A more reliable water supply will be fantastic for both locals and tourists alike, and will ensure Cairns remains a world-class destination,” Senator Green said.
“It’s been great seeing the site develop over time, and I know all Cairns residents are looking forward to seeing it completed.”
State Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the project was an important investment in the region’s future.
“This is a significant milestone for the Cairns region, and it’s great to see this important project moving closer to completion,” Mr James said.
“Greater water security will support our growing community and give local families and businesses confidence that we have a reliable and resilient water supply for the future.”
Mayor of Cairns Regional Council Amy Eden said water security is fundamental to Cairns’ future, and reaching this milestone shows we are delivering the infrastructure our community needs to grow with confidence.
“This project is not just about pipes and reservoirs, it is about resilience, reliability and making sure our city is ready for what comes next,” Mayor Eden said.
“As one of Australia’s most important regional centres and a gateway to the Pacific, Cairns needs infrastructure that matches our ambition, and this project is a key part of that.”
Additional information:
- Energisation of the site’s high-voltage system is part of pre-commissioning works and a key step in preparing the facility for commissioning, allowing equipment and infrastructure across the Water Treatment Plant to progressively move into testing and operational readiness.
- Once pre-commissioning is complete, the project can then move into the commissioning phase.
- Commissioning is the process of carefully testing each component of the water system to ensure it operates safely, reliably and as designed. This includes testing pipelines, pumps, electrical systems, treatment processes and control systems before the facility begins operations.
- The Dissolved Air Flotation Filtration (DAFF) system is expected to be the first major structure onsite to undergo commissioning, which is expected to commence later this year. This marks the beginning of a staged testing program that will progressively bring the new infrastructure into service.
- Over coming months, the project will complete coating works within the storage reservoirs, finalise the internal pipe networks and energise the treated water pump station. Water will then begin circulating through sections of the treatment plant as part of a staged commissioning process to test and verify system performance before the facility begins operations.
