Cairns residents can turn on their taps with confidence today, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the city's long-term water security. A newly released report paints a concerning picture, indicating the Far North Queensland hub could face significant water shortages within the next decade if urgent action is not taken.
The Looming Shortfall and the Search for Solutions
The Cairns Water Security Strategy, a pivotal document released by the Cairns Regional Council, delivers a stark warning. It forecasts that under a high-growth scenario, the demand for water in the Cairns region will surpass the existing supply by 2031. This projection has triggered a major review of the city's water strategy, a process that was already underway but has now gained renewed urgency.
Council CEO Mica Martin confirmed that while the immediate supply is stable, planning for the future is critical. "We are not running out of water tomorrow," Martin stated, "but we do need to make sure we have a plan for the future." The council is actively investigating several major projects to bolster supply. The frontrunner among these is a proposal to construct a new water treatment plant that would draw from the Mulgrave River aquifer. This project alone is estimated to carry a price tag of up to $200 million.
Infrastructure Challenges and Financial Hurdles
Beyond the treatment plant, the strategy identifies other necessary but costly upgrades. A significant investment is required to enlarge the pipeline that currently transfers water from the Behana Creek intake to the council's main treatment facility at Tunnel Hill. This crucial piece of infrastructure is reaching its capacity limit.
The financial burden of these projects is substantial. The report suggests that to fund the necessary water security measures, the Cairns Regional Council may need to consider implementing special water security charges on future rate notices. This potential move underscores the significant investment required to safeguard the region's most vital resource.
Mayor Terry James has emphasised the importance of state and federal government support. He argues that water security is not just a local issue but a matter of national economic significance, given Cairns' role as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and a major tourism centre. "We need other levels of government to come to the table," Mayor James asserted, highlighting the need for partnership in funding these critical infrastructure projects.
A Balanced Approach: Conservation and New Sources
The strategy does not rely solely on finding new water sources. A strong component of the plan involves reducing per capita consumption. The council aims to lower daily water use from the current average of 300 litres per person to 280 litres. Achieving this goal will involve continued public education campaigns promoting water-wise habits and potentially exploring incentives for water-efficient appliances and landscaping.
While the Mulgrave River aquifer project is a primary focus, the council is also keeping other options open. These include further investigations into the potential use of the Barron River as a source and examining the feasibility of water recycling for non-potable uses. The report makes it clear that a multi-pronged approach—combining demand management, new sources, and infrastructure upgrades—is essential to navigate the murky waters ahead and ensure a reliable supply for Cairns' growing population and economy.
