Funding turns on resilience tap for critical Far North water asset

The Kuranda Water Treatment Plant will be operating at capacity once more following a multimillion-dollar joint funding commitment from the Australian and Queensland Governments.

Planned works include construction of new water intake pipework and anchorage systems, raising the plant’s intake structure, and upgrading the sludge thickener armour for increased durability.

Located approximately 28 kilometres north-west of Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda faces frequent impacts from tropical lows and cyclones that can interrupt essential services like water supply.

These improvements to the village's water treatment plant will address the extensive damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

This project is funded through the $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program (QRRRP), a five-year Queensland Government initiative to increase the state’s resilience to natural disasters.

The QRRRP is backed by the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Securing funding under the DRFA for these upgrades will reduce the cost burden on council and ratepayers.

With design works complete, Mareeba Shire Council is now pushing ahead in delivering this important project for the community.

Restoring full operations to the treatment plant is a critical and much welcome outcome for residents who rely on the essential asset as Kuranda’s primary source of potable water.

The upgrades will significantly strengthen the region’s water security during and immediately after future disaster events, ease pressure on emergency services, and support long-term resilience across the region.

As one of Far North Queensland's favourite destinations, Kuranda also needs a fully functioning water treatment plant for its local businesses, so they can continue welcoming visitors and growing sustainably.

For more information on the QRRRP visit the QRA website.