CWSS1 is needed to service the growing population of Cairns, which has more than tripled since the region’s main water supply, Copperlode Falls Dam, was built in 1976. With our population projected to reach 241,000 people by 2050, CWSS1 will supplement Council's existing water supplies.

It is also critical for improving the resilience of the existing water network, to ensure that our drinking water supplies are not compromised by future severe weather events.

Years in the planning, the project was prioritised as a short-term supply initiative in the Cairns Water Security Strategy 2015 and confirmed as the best solution to Cairns’ immediate drinking water needs through a comprehensive independent business case process in 2021-22.

Community is at the heart of the CWSS1 project and Council is committed to involving Traditional Custodians, landholders, and the Cairns community in the project’s development.

Community engagement is transitioning into contractor-led engagement and communications as the project moves into the construction phase. Council will scale up its own engagement activities during this phase, continuing to build awareness of the project throughout the broader Cairns region and addressing stakeholder and community concerns.

Check this webpage regularly for details of upcoming consultation and engagement activities.

Members of the CWSS1 project team are available to give a presentation about the project to interested community and business organisations. Please email cwss1.enquiry@cairns.qld.gov.au to find out more.

The CWSS1 project will deliver a range of benefits:

• Improved water system redundancy
• Support for regional economic prosperity
• Local employment and training opportunities
• Community health outcomes by maintaining clean water supply
• Social stability through the provision of a consistent and reliable drinking water supply to the Cairns region
• Sustainable liveability and public amenity.
• Increased cultural and water education opportunities

Cairns Regional Council (Council) awarded the $325.5 million Design and Construct Contract for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project to John Holland Queensland (JH) in December 2023. Council is working with JH to develop a detailed project design, with construction to commence in mid-2024, and project completion in 2026.

To register your interest as a supplier or subcontractor to provide products and services on this project, please send your information to cwss1community@jhg.com.au.