Joint media release: Funding to improve water security in Far North Queensland

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Glenn Butcher MP, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water

More water security is coming to Douglas Shire Council as the Australian and Queensland governments fund a second water supply intake on the Mossman River.

The $16.4 million intake is supported by $5 million each from the Albanese and Miles governments, helping Douglas Shire Council deliver this important water infrastructure project.

Currently, the Douglas community relies on water from a single source, Rex Creek. The catchment surrounding Rex Creek suffered landslips and erosion during ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made it very difficult to treat water supplies into Mossman and Port Douglas.

The project was a key item in Council’s Water Security Strategy, which included a suite of demand management and infrastructure measures to bolster water security.

Council will wrap up procurement and project planning activities by November 2024, with construction expected to kick-off by May 2025, weather permitting. The project is expected to support 15 jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver projects that will improve water security and quality across regional Australia.

“We’re pleased to work alongside Queensland and local governments to plan for and deliver water infrastructure projects that provide tangible benefits to communities across Queensland, including by boosting jobs.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green:

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“The Miles Labor Government continues to deliver for the people of Douglas.

“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 to put downward pressure on rates and water bills – and it’s really important to Port Douglas’ tourism industry.

“I’m proud to work alongside the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui – whose advocacy has ensured the delivery of this funding. It was great to be with the Mayor and local member recently to discuss this critical project. I’m so pleased to be able to partner with the Albanese Government and the council to deliver for this local community.

“Regional Queensland is no stranger to the devastating impact of severe tropical cyclones, storms and floods, as well as droughts, so it’s a constant focus for us to continually improve and maintain the water infrastructure to ensure the reliable delivery of safe, clean drinking water for these communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui:

“I’m proud to work alongside Mayor Scomazzon to get this funding. I want to thank Douglas residents for their patience and I’m looking forward to seeing construction kick-off as soon as possible.

“The Miles Labor Government listens and we deliver. We will always work alongside councils and regional communities to deliver the infrastructure our growing regions need. This $5 million is further proof of our record of delivery.”

Quotes attributable to Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Lisa Scomazzon:

“This $10 million from Canberra and Brisbane is $10 million our ratepayers don’t have to stump up for.

“I want to thank Minister’s 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’re ramping up demand management, leak prevention and education activities: this second intake is a critically important piece of the puzzle!

“I thank everyone for their patience – we want to get this right, we want to make sure we have water security for our residents and our important tourism industry moving forward.”