The Federal Government has announced nearly $3.8 million in funding for Cairns Regional Council’s Water Demand Management Program for its Port Douglas and Mossman Recycled Water Scheme project.

 

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, said the initiative would contribute towards alleviating pressures on water supply in the face of growing populations and a variable climate.

 

"The Water Demand Management Program for Port Douglas project, which is receiving more than $1 million in Australian Government funding, will achieve potable water savings of more than 240 million litres per year for local communities," Senator Farrell said.

 

"These savings will be achieved by through the installation of smart meters, which along with leak detection and repair activities, business audits and residential retrofits, will reduce water losses.

 

Managing water pressure and promoting water conservation to both the local community and visitors are also important parts of the project."  Senatory Farrell said.

 

More than $2.75 million is going towards the Mossman Recycled Water Scheme project, which will achieve potable water savings of 304 million litres a year for the Cairns region.