The Far North Queensland Water Strategy maps out the provision of water resources for Cairns and the surrounding region up to 2050.
While there have been previous water supply planning studies undertaken for the region, Arup was selected to provide a fresh, independent and holistic perspective. The project aimed to develop a strategy that incorporates these previous studies, but provides recommendations that balance wider environmental, natural resource, social and economic factors.
Arup undertook a comprehensive literature review to identify regional water supply options and key missing data and to provide guidance in commissioning supporting studies. Technical studies to assess issues such as supply options, the impacts of climate change and environmental flows have also been undertaken.
After presenting and assessing options in consultation with the community and a technical review panel, Arup developed a draft strategy based on sound thinking and engineering and a multi-criteria analysis, assessing environmental, natural resource, social and economic factors. The strategy has been tested against various scenarios, including extreme population growth and climate change.