Douglas Shire Council will have better water security following a multi-government investment to fund a second water supply intake.
The Federal and Queensland Governments are each providing $5 million to help Douglas Shire Council deliver this vital water infrastructure project. It will utilise the Mossman River to improve water security for the thousands of residents in the area.
Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said, “The Federal Government continues to deliver projects that improve water security and quality across regional Australia. This critical funding for the Mossman River Intake will help make the Douglas Shire and surrounding areas more resilient to climate change while benefiting locals and the many visitors the region attracts.”
Queensland Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher, said, “This second intake isn’t just water infrastructure. It’s a tourism asset, and it’s a cost-of-living measure. This funding is helping put downward pressure on rates and water bills – and it is essential to Port Douglas’ tourism industry.”
Currently, the Douglas community relies on water from a single source in Rex Creek. The catchment surrounding Rex Creek suffered landslips and erosion during ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, making it difficult to treat water supplies into Mossman and Port Douglas.
Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Senator Nita Green said, “This project will strengthen water security for the Douglas community after a tough recovery from Cyclone Jasper. I’m pleased to see this funding being delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government in recognition of the importance of the FNQ tourism industry.”
The project was a crucial item in the Council’s Water Security Strategy, which included a suite of demand management and infrastructure measures to bolster water security.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon added, “This $10 million from Canberra and Brisbane is $10 million our ratepayers don’t have to stump up for. I want to thank Ministers Plibersek and Butcher and our local Member Cynthia Lui for delivering this vital funding. This is an important part of our Shire’s Water Security Strategy. We are ramping up demand management, leak prevention and education activities: this second intake is a critically important piece of the puzzle.”
The council will wrap up procurement and project planning activities by November 2024. Weather permitting, construction is expected to kick off by May 2025. The project is expected to support 15 jobs.
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