WATER MILLIONS: $16M funding secured and new jobs promised for 2nd Mossman River water intake
WATER SECURITY
As first foreshadowed during an exclusive interview by Newsport, a new water intake on the Mossman River to shore up the Shire’s water security has now been fully funded.
The state and federal governments will each chip in $5 million to fund the new infrastructure and Douglas Shire Council has committed $6.4M for the total $16.4M project cost.
The funding approval was first revealed in an interview with state Water Minister Glenn Butcher by Newsport Editor Michael Warren which can be viewed here https://www.newsport.com.au/2024/june/video-qld-water-minister-glenn-butcher-discusses-the-douglas-shires-catastrophic-water-security-failure-and-the-path-moving-forward .
Mr Butcher said the new water intake will help to better manage severe weather events, such as Cyclone Jasper last December, which severely disrupted the shire’s water supply for many weeks after the cyclone and subsequent flooding.
Douglas Shire currently relies on water from just one source, Rex Creek.
The catchment surrounding Rex Creek suffered landslips and erosion from Jasper, making water supply treatment extremely difficult.
Council hopes to have planning and other preparation work for the new intake finished by this November, with construction scheduled to start by May 2025, weather permitting.
The project is expected to support 15 jobs.
“This $10 million from Canberra and Brisbane is $10 million our ratepayers don’t have to stump up for,” Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said.
“This is an important part of our Shire’s Water Security Strategy,” she said.
“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.” Mr Butcher said:
“Regional Queensland is no stranger to the devastating impact of severe tropical cyclones, storms and floods, as well as droughts, so it’s a constant focus for us to continually improve and maintain the water infrastructure to ensure the reliable delivery of safe, clean drinking water for these communities.”
Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said the state had worked closely with Council and the federal government to secure the funding.
“I’m proud to work alongside Mayor Scomazzon to get this funding. I want to thank Douglas residents for their patience and I’m looking forward to seeing construction kick-off as soon as possible,” Ms Lui said.
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