Cairns water security federal funding pitch ‘well received’ from Far North delegation to Canberra

Cairns ratepayers face a major blow to their budgets with pleas to the federal government to boost its water security funding, “well received”.

Far North leaders in Canberra on a delegation to advocate for the region's priorities, organised by Advance Cairns, TTNQ and the Chamber of Commerce.

Cairns ratepayers face a major blow to their budgets with renewed pleas for the federal government to boost its water security funding “well received,” but falling short of a solid commitment.

Last week’s delegation of around 30 Far North leaders including Cairns mayor Amy Eden met with federal government, and opposition parliamentarians in Canberra – pushing for the region’s key priorities.

Among those included securing an additional $87.5m in federal funds for the $472m Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project, with the state government increasing its stake towards the project in June, and the council contributing $80m of ratepayer funds.

The $472 million water project will generate a new drinking water supply from the Mulgrave River by 2026 and has commenced construction, despite $87.5m in funds outstanding. Picture: Brendan Radke

Failing to attract the desired federal funds would likely see rates increase by $403 per year over 15 years, according to the council.

But the cost of living impact of the increased costs on Cairns ratepayers has drawn little sympathy from the federal government, which didn’t budge last week as the Far North’s leaders pushed for answers.

“The message was that federal investments need to be targeted and prioritised, with cost of living relief a focus,” Ms Eden said.

Far North leaders in Canberra on a delegation to advocate for the region's priorities, organised by Advance Cairns, TTNQ and the Chamber of Commerce, meeting with shadow Water Minister Perin Davey.

Meetings on the topic of water infrastructure were held with Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King, Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Catherine King, and Shadow Water Minister Perin Davey.

However, the delegation did not meet with government Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, who when quizzed about the water security project and whether the group had sought a meeting, attacked her opponents for failing to build dams.

“Unlike the Liberals and Nationals who promised 100 dams and delivered two, we will keep working with state and territory governments to invest in projects that stack up,” she said.

“We know how important water security and availability is for the Cairns community, and for the economic growth of the region.”

An aerial view of the Cairns Water Security Project Stage One construction site, north of Gordonvale. The $472 million project will generate a new drinking water supply from the Mulgrave River once completed in 2026. Stage One of the project consists of an intake pipe at the Mulgrave River, a reservoir and water treatment facility on the site pictured, and a network of pipes connecting the project to the existing Cairns water grid. Picture Brendan Radke

And to make further note of “positive” statements on the issue, Mayor Eden said she was pleased to hear Nationals leader David Littleproud “specifically call out” the Cairns water security project during a speech on northern Australia.

“Although no specific commitment on increased water funding has yet been confirmed, the discussions were productive and positive,” she said.

Infrastructure Minister Ms King was asked about where Cairns’ water security sat among the federal government’s many infrastructure projects, but questions were directed to Ms Plibersek as the issue was deemed to fit her portfolio.

Ms Eden was asked if a meeting with Water Minister Ms Plibersek was sought but did not respond in a statement issued last week.

Originally published as Cairns water security federal funding pitch ‘well received’ from Far North delegation to Canberra