Critical funding could be on the horizon as senator hints at commitment

Critical funding for Cairns water security project could be a step closer, after Senator Nita Green suggested a commitment would be released in “due course.”

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday Ms Green suggested the federal government was getting close to announcing a commitment to the Cairns water security project. Nita Green, Matt Smith and David Beckham .

Critical funding for the Cairns water security project could be a step closer, after Senator Nita Green suggested a commitment would be released in “due course.”

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning, Labor candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith and Labor Senator Nita Green both expressed their support for the project, hinting an announcement could be in the works.

Ms Green said the government had been in constant talks with Cairns Regional Council and were making progress in their discussions.

“We have had those conversations, we are making sure people understand how important this project is for the community,” Ms Green said.

“Governments go through government processes. We’re going through that process at the moment and of course in the lead-up to an election, all governments and oppositions consider the commitments that they would make.

“We are working really hard to make sure we can make a commitment and we’ll do that – I’m not going to announce that today, but we will do that in due course.”

The Cairns water security project originally costed at $248 million in 2022, blew out to $472 m. Despite the state government contributing an additional $87.5m in July 2024, the federal government have been reluctant to match the amount. Curtis Pitt, Steven Miles and Michael Healy at the site of the Cairns Water Security Project Stage 1 Project construction site, north of Gordonvale. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project involves introducing new water intakes, pipe system and treatment plants linked to the Mulgrave River to cater for Cairns’ rapidly booming population.

Initially costed at $248m in 2022 and funded by all levels of government, the generational infrastructure project blew out to $472m.

In July 2024, the state government increased their contribution from $107.5m to $195m but the federal government has so far rebuffed council requests to match the state government’s contribution.

When asked about the project in July 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government would consider additional funding after a business case was submitted.

When asked last week if the additional information needed had been provided, Mr Albanese claimed it hadn’t.

“We haven’t yet, but we’re working constructively with the (Cairns) council,” he said.

“We put in over $107m, we committed for that project before the (2022) election.

“That was what we were told by them that, that was the costings. We provided that funding.”

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Cairns earlier this month, when asked about the water security project Mr Albanese would not agree to commit additional funds to the project citing a lack of information from Council. Newswire.

Despite the lack of open commitment from the Prime Minister, Ms Green was unwavering in her support.

“We are having really constructive conversations with the council about this funding and about the request from council for additional funding beyond what they asked for before the last election,” Ms Green.

“This is a project that doubled in cost so we are making sure that we have all the information we need and we are working really hard locally on explaining to people in Canberra and ministers that this is an important project.

“Matt and I have had those conversations and we will continue doing them because we are good local representatives. We want to deliver for Far North Queensland.”

Originally published as Critical funding could be on the horizon as senator hints at commitment