Council changes course on Cairns water security project

##MP##

The Cairns Regional Council has voted to change the way it implements stage one of its water security project after identifying risks in the original plan.

The $240 million project would future-proof the city’s water supply, creating a new source from the Mulgrave River at Gordonvale.

It would supplement existing water supplies from Behana Creek, Copperlode Falls Dam, and other small rural intakes.

Mayor, Bob Manning, said risks had been identified in the project’s previously endorsed procurement strategy that included two separate packages, one for water intake and treatment, and the other for reticulation.

##BA##

“Cairns Water Security Stage 1 is the single largest capital works projects ever undertaken by Council.

“It is only appropriate that we review and evaluate our processes to ensure the best possible outcome.

##PQ##

“Council will also ensure strong local participation through the requirements of the procurement process in delivering this critical piece of infrastructure,” Councillor Manning said.

Council voted this week for what it called a stream-lined procurement strategy, inviting expressions of interest for works including the Draper Road water treatment plant, Mulgrave River intakes, water mains for raw and treated water, and a waste effluent pipeline from the treatment plant.

Two contractors will be shortlisted, with the successful proposal expected to be identified by late 2023.

Council has also endorsed $27.6 million for costs incurred to date, as well as pre-construction costs.

This week’s change of plan follows a Council decision in August not to call on the newly elected Federal Government to honour a campaign promise of $107 million for the project.

The Queensland Government pledged $107 million to the project in its June budget.

On the campaign trail, the Federal LNP said it would match that funding, with Federal Labor later agreeing to do the same.

But there are concerns next month’s Federal budget might not deliver the funding, with both the Prime Minister and Treasurer foreshadowing reduced spending in difficult economic conditions.

Meanwhile, Council is rolling out a new three-year water leak detection program across 1981 kilometres of water pipe around the Cairns region.

Mayor Manning said the program could potentially save millions of litres of water.

##PQ2##

“The program is one of four focused actions identified in Council's Water Demand Management Strategy 2016-2025 to address water demand and provide water savings of 10 per cent over a 10-year period.”

Crews from Detection Services will use acoustic monitoring equipment to connect to Council's water meters on private property boundaries.

They won’t need to access private properties, but they will require access to water meters.

Council will advise owners when leaks are found on private property.