The delivery of renewed water security to the Cairns Region with the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project has reached a significant milestone. 

More than one million hours of work has been completed towards delivering a new drinking water supply for the Cairns community, since project construction began in July 2024. 

Jointly funded through the National Water Grid Fund by the Albanese Government and the Crisafulli Government and delivered in partnership with Cairns Regional Council, the project is continuing to have positive impacts on the region during construction.

Of the more than 1,100 people who have contributed to the project, more than 80 per cent of the workforce hail from the Cairns region and are working hard to grow the local economy to drive down the cost of living. 

The project has already invested more than $100 million into the region’s economy through 140 local suppliers, delivering materials for the pipeline, water treatment plant, and associated infrastructure for Queensland’s future. 

Strong construction progress continues, with more than 25km of the new 30km distribution network now installed. Works to deliver the water intake at the Mulgrave River, water treatment plant and water reservoirs are all well underway. 

Major construction on the $472 million project is expected to be completed by mid-2026 with commissioning activities to follow, weather permitting. 

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the State Government was delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and supporting the Cairns community.