Today’s State Budget commitment of $107.5 million towards the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 Project has been warmly welcomed by Cairns Regional Council.
The commitment matches the Federal Government’s allocation, taking significant financial pressure off Cairns water users.
Mayor Bob Manning said receiving funding commitments from both the Federal and State Governments was a major win for residents.
“We have been very clear from day one that the Cairns community should not be expected to fund this project alone. Having $215 million of committed funding certainly alleviates the burden on the residents of Cairns,” Cr Manning said.
“So, we thank the Queensland Government, and in particular Minister Butcher, for their commitment which recognises how critical water security is to the future prosperity of our community.
“And I’d also like to thank the Cairns community for getting behind this project and working with Council to achieve this outcome.
“From the various peak organisations that backed our advocacy to the more than 250 local businesses who uploaded their logos as a show of support, and the many, many local residents who took the time to write to their local MPs championing this issue – thank you! Working together, we really do have a strong voice.”
In welcoming the funding, Cr Manning also thanked local State Government representatives Michael Healy, Member for Cairns, Curtis Pitt, Member for Mulgrave and Craig Crawford, Member for Barron River, for their support and advocacy.
“Our local State politicians have all been strong supporters of this project from the outset and I know they have taken every opportunity to let their Brisbane counterparts know how crucial this project is to the future prosperity of Cairns, and I thank them for their continued support,” Cr Manning.
Mayor Manning said Council would now seek meetings with both the State and Federal Governments to map a path to delivery.
“We look forward to seeing the Federal budget handed down in October with water security clearly mapped into the forwards estimates, and to working closely with both levels of government to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure for the community of Cairns,” Cr Manning said.
Cairns Water Security – Stage 1, will secure the region’s drinking water supply by taking and treating water from the Mulgrave River, with construction expected to start in 2024.
