Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) have joined forces with local hotels and resorts to launch a new Water Wise Accord, pledging collective action to reduce pressure on the region's water supply.
The Accord builds on the community's ongoing water-saving measures and reflects a shared commitment to safeguard Cairns' most precious resource.
The Accord outlines four key commitments for participating businesses:
- Be water efficient as a business, including monitoring usage
- Communicate the need to be water wise to staff and guests
- Take immediate action should restrictions come into place
- Be an active and vocal advocate for water-efficient practices
Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp said the initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling a critical challenge.
"Our water network is under pressure, and now that we're into the summer season it's more critical than ever to remember that every drop counts," Mr Gouldthorp said.
"This Accord shows that our tourism sector is stepping up to play its part alongside Council, businesses and residents.
"Council has switched off around 70% of its irrigation network, and households are doing a good job keeping usage below critical levels – but we need to keep it up. Together, we can make a real difference while we address the current challenges with our reservoir network."
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the region's tourism industry was delighted to support the Water Wise Accord and help to reduce the pressure on the region's water supply.
"As hosts who play a pivotal role in keeping visitors safe, our industry is well prepared for the weather conditions over summer," he said.
"This voluntary commitment from our accommodation sector to use water wisely and educate guests to do the same is part of our industry's commitment to ensuring our community's visitor economy is sustainable."
The Accord comes as Cairns experiences ongoing hot weather, which has led to peaks in water demand that can cause low pressure, pipe breaks and discoloured water.
Despite these challenges, Council reports that overall water use remains lower than the same period last year - a testament to the community's commitment to conservation.
Maintenance work on key reservoirs is continuing while Council is securing the future of the city's water supply with the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project, due for completion in late-2026.
Mr Gouldthorp reiterated the need to follow current permanent water conservation measures which specify days where households can use sprinklers.
- Odd-numbered houses permitted to use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between the hours of 5am - 9am and 5pm - 9pm.
- Even-numbered houses permitted to use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between the hours of 5am - 9am and 5pm - 9pm.
- No sprinkler use permitted on Monday.
- Hand-held hoses with a trigger nozzle, watering cans and buckets can be used at any time.
