Monday 24 January 2011

Cold water is the hottest topic in Port Douglas and Mossman

The hottest topic in the former parochial Douglas Shire, now Divison 10 of Cairns Regional Council, is water. What the do with it. How it's captured and how it's distributed to the local residents.

There are now serious questions about future water sources for the townships of Mossman and Port Douglas, around 70 kilometers north of Cairns.

The flow in Rex Creek, with forms the current water supply, is now not sufficient to meet local demands, especially during extended dry periods. In fact, water flows in Rex Creek were very close to drying up in late 2009 and restrictions were instituted to slow usage. There were even emergency measures on standby if needed.

Cairns Regional Mayor Val Schier says it's extremely important that Rex Creek retains sufficient water flow to ensure a healthy environment.

“An additional water source or sources will ensure the reliability of water supply for areas currently serviced by Rex Creek,'' Val Schier says. ''Council is taking proactive steps in searching for future alternative sources now. Council intends to commission a report on the situation, but before we do, we are asking for input from the community.”

The communities of Mossman, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Mowbray, Newell Beach, Bonnie Doon, Cassowary, Craiglie, Cooya Beach and Killaloe currently receive drinking water from Rex Creek, which is a tributary of the Mossman River. With an increasing population in this region, the existing water supply could easily fail in meeting the local needs.

If you'd like to have your say about the planning process, share your input online at Council’s website.

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