Fast-tracked remediation works are underway to return two of Cairns Regional Council’s largest reservoirs to service, strengthening water storage capacity ahead of the next wet season.
Contractors are onsite at the Bayview and Brinsmead reservoirs delivering a $24 million project to replace the roofs of both structures and complete relining works before the assets are recommissioned.
The reservoirs were taken offline in mid-2024 for maintenance and refurbishment, which identified significant deterioration of the existing roofs and the need for full replacement.
Cairns Regional Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp said the works are being delivered across both sites simultaneously to accelerate project delivery.
“In order to complete a project of this scale, extensive scaffolding is required. By removing only half of each roof at a time, crews can dismantle and reposition scaffolding more efficiently,” he said.
“While that is happening at one site, crews can continue work at the other – reducing downtime and keeping the overall project moving.”
The replacement roofs will be predominantly metal, providing a lighter and more durable solution than the original concrete structures. Council said the new design will reduce structural loading on the ageing reservoir walls and help extend the operational life of the assets.
Gouldthorp said returning the reservoirs to service before the next wet season remains a priority.
“Investing in the $24 million critical roof replacement works will assist to safeguard our water supply where treatment pauses due to maintenance or heavy rain,” he said.
“During the wetter months, heavy downpours can cause dirty water that can’t filter through our system. When this occurs, we are reliant on water stored in our reservoirs until treatment can recommence.
“We’ve effectively managed consistent water supply through the past two years, with a lot of effort. The community have been a huge support, adhering to permanent water conservation measures and two temporary water restriction periods.”
The project forms part of Council’s Reservoir Emergent Works Program, with further investment expected to be allocated through the forthcoming 2026–27 Budget.
Engineering contractor John Holland, which is already mobilised in the region through the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project, has been engaged to deliver the roof replacement works.
Council is also progressing geotechnical investigations and preliminary design work for a replacement University 2 Reservoir, with plans to go to tender by the end of 2026.
The replacement of the existing 20ML University Reservoir remains a key component of Cairns’ long-term water security strategy. The reservoir continues to operate at reduced capacity after ground movement affected its structural integrity.
