Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Ann Leahy MP, Queensland Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers
Significant progress is being made for water main upgrades across Mareeba Shire as part of a broader project to strengthen water security across the region.
The recently completed water main upgrades along Kenneally Road and surrounding streets are supporting the reliability and performance of the local water network, reducing the risk of leaks, bursts and unplanned outages.
Construction is now underway on the final package of water main replacement works along additional streets surrounding Kenneally Road.
These works build on water main upgrades already completed around the Mareeba town centre in 2025.
The works form part of the broader Mareeba Regional Water Security project to upgrade water infrastructure with the final package expected to be complete by early 2027, weather and site conditions permitting.
The $7.3 million project is jointly funded by the Albanese Government and Mareeba Shire Council, each contributing $3.65 million. Led by Mareeba Shire Council, the project is supported through the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund under the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative with assistance from the Crisafulli Government.
Projects completed under the initiative must deliver sustainable water security outcomes and ensure the environment remains central during planning and delivery.
Federal Water Minister Murray Watt said the infrastructure upgrades would benefit the region for many years to come.
"Water security is critical for the future, especially as we face hotter, drier conditions ahead, so we're pleased to be working with Mareeba Shire Council to get the job done," Minister Watt said.
"We've seen real progress made locally and we'll see more work continue over the coming months.
"This is one of a number of projects the Albanese Government is investing in, alongside local Councils, to ensure Queenslanders have access to safe, reliable water."
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government is committed to improving water security across Queensland.
"Reliable water infrastructure is critical to the future of Far North Queensland, and these upgrades will improve network performance, strengthen resilience and support the region's continued growth," Minister Leahy said.
"Delivering for Queensland means supporting the infrastructure regional communities rely on every day, and projects like this help ensure Mareeba has a secure and reliable water supply well into the future."
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said the upgrade focused on replacing ageing water infrastructure along Kenneally Road and surrounding streets to ensure the network can continue to meet current demand while supporting future growth.
"Much of Mareeba's water infrastructure is ageing, with some pipes having been laid more than 60 years ago," Ms Toppin said.
"Council has prioritised the upgrade of critical water infrastructure through our Water Strategy and the Kenneally Road Water Main Upgrade is a key component of this work."
