The Queensland and Federal Governments are investing $10 million for new water intake on the Mossman River, to help the community manage severe weather events.
The $16.4 million intake forms an important part of Douglas Shire Council’s Water Security Strategy, and this funding aims to help the 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.
This 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.
Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said that the Federal 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,” Ms Plibersek said.
“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 Regional Development and Manufacturing, and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher said that regional Queensland is no stranger to the devastating impact of severe tropical cyclones, storms and floods, as well as droughts, and a constant focus for the Queensland Government is to continually improve and maintain the water infrastructure to ensure the reliable delivery of safe, clean drinking water for these communities.
“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,” Mr Butcher said.
“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.”
Ms Lui said, “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.”
Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Lisa Scomazzon, said that the combined $10 million funding from the State and Federal Governments is $10 million that ratepayers don’t have to cover.
“I want to thank Minister’s Plibersek and Butcher and our local Member Cynthia Lui for delivering this vital funding,” Ms Scomazzon said.
“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.”
Featured image: The Mossman River in Daintree National Park, Queensland. Image: BBaron/Shutterstock.com