Extensive flooding in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper in late 2023. Photo: ADF.
Several remote Cape York communities are to receive important infrastructure improvements to help protect residents and strengthen resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The Federal and Queensland governments have jointly announced that Mapoon’s water treatment plant will be upgraded and work will be undertaken to safeguard it against coastal erosion and other severe weather threats, ensuring a consistent local water supply.
Meanwhile, work is due to start on a storage facility at Coen, which will provide Cook Shire Council with substantial dry and cold storage space during periods of isolation, reducing reliance on costly resupplies via air.
Drainage and pavement upgrades are also due to be carried out throughout Kowanyama township to improve waterflow and address recurring flooding issues along streets.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the projects would “reinforce water security and give people across Leichhardt the peace of mind they truly deserve”.
Leichhardt MP Matt Smith. Photo: Supplied.
“With two cyclones and a tropical low making landfall in the Far North this year, the 2026 wet season has been particularly active,” he said.
“When communities are cut off and isolated by flood water, it’s essential that people can still rely on hygienic water supply for the essentials like washing, drinking and food preparation.
State Member for Cook David Kempton said the investment as part of the joint $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program “means stronger infrastructure, better protection during disaster season and more certainty for locals”.
“Most importantly, it helps communities stay connected, safe and supported when it matters most,” he said.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the work would ensure families could rely on crucial infrastructure, no matter the weather.
“Reliable services and better flood-resistant assets aren’t luxuries — they’re essential for keeping people safe and connected,” she said.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the state was doubling investment into Betterment resilience projects to $80 million annually.
Work set to start at Kowanyama aims to ease recurring flooding. Photo: Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council.
“Every Queenslander, no matter where they live, deserves access to reliable infrastructure that stands up to severe weather,” she said.
Alongside the Coen, Kowanyama and Mapoon improvements, it was announced the Kuranda water treatment plant would soon return to full capacity after it was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.
Construction was undertaken on new intake pipework, a raised intake structure and strengthened sludge armour.
Original Article published by Luke Mortimer on Cape York Weekly.
