Community
6 July, 2024
Crucial water funding
THE Douglas Shire has secured $10 million to draw water from a second source to shore up its future supplies.
The shire council has been granted $5m each from the state and federal governments for the $16.4m project to fund a second water supply intake on the Mossman River. Construction is expected to start by May 2025.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the money was $10m “our ratepayers don’t have to stump up for”.
“I want to thank ministers Plibersek and Butcher and our local member Cynthia Lui for delivering this vital funding,” she said.
“This is an important part of our shire’s water security strategy.
“We’re ramping up demand management, leak prevention and education activities. This second intake is a critically important piece of the puzzle.”
Cr Scomazzon said it had taken some time to secure the funding from both governments.
“I thank everyone for their patience – we want to get this right, we want to make sure we have water security for our residents and our important tourism industry moving forward,” Cr Scomazzon said.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said she was proud to work alongside Cr Scomazzon to get the funding.
“I want to thank Douglas residents for their patience and I’m looking forward to seeing construction kick-off as soon as possible,” she said.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said “this critical funding for the Mossman River intake will help make the Douglas Shire and surrounding areas more resilient to climate change, while benefiting locals and the many visitors the region attracts.”
Senator Nita Green said the project would strengthen water security for the Douglas community after a tough recovery from Cyclone Jasper.
State Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the second intake wasn’t just water infrastructure, “it’s a tourism asset and it’s a cost-of-living measure. This funding is helping to put downward pressure on rates and water bills – and it’s really important to Port Douglas’ tourism industry”. “I’m proud to work alongside the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui – whose advocacy has ensured the delivery of this funding,” he said. “It was great to be with the mayor and local member recently to discuss this critical project.”
