The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($195 million) and the Queensland Government ($195 million) with Cairns Regional Council contributing the balance, including $25 million towards the project’s planning phase prior to National Water Grid funding being committed. Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The project will mean a new drinking water supply for the Cairns region.
Project overview
The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project provides an additional water source for Cairns in far north Queensland.
The project will deliver:
- a new water treatment plant
- water reservoirs
- distribution network
This will provide a modern, integrated and long-term water security solution to service Cairns now and into the future.
The project will deliver a new drinking water supply to the region by enhancing existing supplies from Copperlode Falls Dam, Behana Creek and smaller rural intakes across the region.
The project is expected to make approximately 6.4 gigalitres of extra water available for the region.
Construction commenced in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
Key project benefits
Learn more
- Learn more about the National Water Grid Fund as our primary program for responsible investment in water projects.
- Learn about water in Australia and how we are working within a unique water environment.