Cassowary Coast water leak reduction project completed with $9m upgrade

The Far North’s wettest region has reportedly already saved 25 million litres of water from leaks since June, following the completion of $9m in infrastructure upgrades.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood has welcomed $9m in upgrades to water infrastructure throughout the region including new smart meters.

The Far North’s wettest region has reportedly already saved 25 million litres of water from leaks since June, following the completion of $9m in infrastructure upgrades.

The Cassowary Coast leak reduction project involved a range of upgrades to infrastructure, helping to reduce water loss at the Innisfail, Nyleta, Tully and Cardwell schemes.

Replacement of old and deteriorating water mains, coupled with the rollout of smart water meters means improved water reliability and the ability for the local council, residents and businesses to monitor water use and identify leaks sooner.

It was the first project to be completed in Queensland as part of the Australian Government’s $211m Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative, delivered under the National Water Grid Fund and co-funded with states and territories and some local governments.

Cassowary Coast’s Nyleta water scheme was one of four water supplies that received an infrastructure upgrade.

The Cassowary Coast leak reduction project was jointly funded between the Albanese Government ($4.02m), the Crisafulli Government ($4.02m) and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council ($978,000).

Federal Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt said the Cassowary Coast community was one that needed “better water security.”

“The project outcomes are sustainable, they’re real and they’re securing the critical water needed into the future for the region,” he said.

State Minister for Water Ann Leahy said all Queenslanders deserved access to “safe, secure and reliable water now and into the future.”

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood and Queensland senator Nita Green said the upgrades would “ratepayers dollars in the long run,” and “stop costly leaks.”

“This project is a significant investment in the sustainability of our water supply,” Ms Millwood said.

Originally published as Cassowary Coast water leak reduction project completed with $9m upgrade