Clean Seas for Cairns

Local Government Minister and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle today officially opened the $188 million Cleaner Seas Project.

"Cleaner Seas is a fantastic project that is protecting the Great Barrier Reef and ensuring far northern Queensland has the infrastructure required to tackle the challenges of future growth," Ms Boyle said.

"The Great Barrier Reef is so precious to our region - not only does it help power our economy but it also holds a special place in our hearts.

"This project was delivered on time and on budget delivering upgrades to the Edmonton, Marlin Coast, Northern and Southern waste water treatment plants.

"The project is an excellent example of the Bligh Government working in partnership with the Cairns Regional Council to deliver a project that will have benefits for the entire region.

"That is why the Bligh Government has provided $75.44 million towards the total project cost of $188 million.

"Sometimes people are quick to criticise their local councils but this is a great example of a council doing the hard work and building sustainably for the future of their region. For that they should be applauded.

"The upgrades involved the installation of state-of-the-art submerged membrane filter technology. These filters cut the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and ammonia being discharged onto the reef by around 80% annually.

"This is critical for the long term protection of the reef and fish habitats."

Ms Boyle said the upgraded plants will ensure the Cairns region has the infrastructure necessary for future growth.

"Combined, the four wastewater treatment plants will have the capacity to service more than 200,000 people," she said.

"Following the upgrades the plants are also capable of delivering a higher standard of recycled water which can be utilised for a variety of industrial and agricultural uses as well as irrigation on local parks and sporting fields.

"Council plans to enable households to use the recycled water for toilet flushing and watering gardens."