Douglas Shire Secures $10 Million Funding for Water Security ProjectDouglas Shire Secures $10 Million Funding for Water Security Project The Australian and Queensland governments have announced $10 million in funding for a crucial water security project in the Douglas Shire. The project involves constructing a new water intake on the Mossman River to mitigate extreme weather events. Significance of the Project Currently, the Douglas Shire relies solely on Rex Creek for water supply. However, during ex-tropical cyclone Jasper, the catchment area around Rex Creek was affected by landslides and erosion, disrupting water treatment in Mossman and Port Douglas. The new intake will provide an alternative water source and increase the Shire’s resilience to such events. It forms a key part of the Council’s Water Security Strategy, which aims to enhance water security through demand management and infrastructure improvements. Funding Sources The $10 million funding is a combination of $5 million each from the Australian Government and the Queensland Government. The funding will enable the Douglas Shire Council to complete procurement and project planning by November 2024 and begin construction in May 2025. Economic Impact The project is expected to create 15 jobs during construction. Additionally, it is anticipated to reduce the pressure on rates and water bills for residents and support the tourism industry in Port Douglas, which plays a significant role in the local economy. Quotes from Government Officials Tanya Plibersek, Minister of Environment and Water (Australian Government): “This project will improve water security and quality in regional Australia. We are committed to delivering tangible benefits to communities across Queensland, including through job creation.” Nita Green, Senator and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef (Australian Government): “This funding will strengthen water security for the Douglas community after a difficult recovery from Cyclone Jasper.” Glenn Butcher, Minister for Regional Development and Industry, Minister for Water (Queensland Government): “This funding helps reduce the pressure on rates and water bills and supports the tourism sector in Port Douglas.” Cynthia Lui, Member for Cook (Queensland Government): “I am proud to secure this funding and look forward to construction beginning soon.” Lisa Scomazzon, Mayor of Douglas Shire Council: “This funding is a vital part of our Water Security Strategy. We are working to ensure our residents and our tourism industry have safe water.”
- $10 million funding secured for key water security project from Albanian and Miles Labor governments
- Will fund a new water intake on the Mossman River to better manage extreme weather events
- Forms a key part of Douglas Shire Council’s water safety strategy
Douglas Shire Council will gain greater water security after the Australian and Queensland governments fund a second water intake on the Mossman River.
The $16.4 million proceeds are supported by $5 million from the Albanese and Miles Governments, which will enable Douglas Shire Council to deliver this important water infrastructure project.
Currently, the community of Douglas relies on a single source of water, Rex Creek. The catchment around Rex Creek suffered from landslides and erosion during ex-tropical cyclone Jasper, making it very difficult to treat water supplies in Mossman and Port Douglas.
The project was a key component of the Council’s Water Security Strategy, which included a range of demand management and infrastructure measures to strengthen water security.
The council will complete procurement and project planning activities in November 2024, with construction expected to begin in May 2025, weather permitting. The project is expected to create 15 jobs.
As Minister of Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, stated:
“The Albanian Labor Government continues to deliver projects that will improve water security and quality in regional Australia.
“We are committed to working with Queensland and local governments to plan and deliver water infrastructure projects that deliver tangible benefits to communities across Queensland, including through job creation.
“This vital funding for the Mossman River Intake will make the Douglas Shire and surrounding areas more resilient to climate change, while benefiting local people and the many visitors the region attracts.”
As the Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green, stated:
“This project will strengthen water security for the Douglas community after a difficult recovery from Cyclone Jasper.
“I am pleased that this funding is being provided in partnership with the Queensland Government, in recognition of the importance of the FNQ tourism industry.”
As stated by the Minister for Regional Development and Industry, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
“The Miles Labor Government remains committed to the people of Douglas.
“This second intake is not just water infrastructure, it is a tourism asset and a cost of living measure. This funding helps to reduce the pressure on rates and water bills – and it is really important for Port Douglas’ tourism sector.
“I am proud to be working with the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui – whose advocacy has secured the delivery of this funding. It was great to be with the Mayor and the local Member recently to discuss this vital project. I am so pleased to be working with the Albanian Government and the council to deliver for this local community.
“Regional Queensland experiences the devastating impacts of severe tropical cyclones, storms and floods, as well as droughts. As such, it is an ongoing challenge for us to improve and maintain water infrastructure so that communities can reliably rely on safe, clean drinking water.”
As Cynthia Lui, member for Cook, said:
“I am proud to work with Mayor Scomazzon to secure this funding. I want to thank the people of Douglas for their patience and I look forward to construction beginning as soon as possible.
“The Miles Labor Government listens and we deliver. We will always work with councils and regional communities to deliver the infrastructure our growing regions need. This $5 million is further evidence of our track record.”
As Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said:
“This $10 million from Canberra and Brisbane is $10 million that our taxpayers don’t have to pay for.
“I would like to thank Minister Plibersek and Butcher and our local member Cynthia Lui for providing this vital funding.
“This is a key part of our Shire’s Water Security Strategy. We are expanding 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 our residents and our important tourism industry have safe water.”
