Gauging current attitudes toward water usage is the aim of a series of focus groups – comprising Port Douglas and Mossman residents – commissioned by Cairns Regional Council this week.

The market research is the first step in a range of initiatives to gauge community views on the need to reduce water consumption.

Council has secured a $1.084 million Federal grant through the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns Program, which aims to improve both water distribution and public education on water usage.

Some of these funds have already been used to identify and rectify leaks, with the focus group a key step in the public education process.

During the dry season, run of river water supplies in Port Douglas and Mossman can be near or at limit and local water usage is estimated at three to four times the national per capita average.

Mayor Val Schier said the initial research findings would guide a comprehensive water demand management program, designed to secure the environmental and lifestyle values of the region.

“This is about changing behaviour. The reasons for saving water in the tropics are not necessarily obvious and water conservation messages and information must be designed to local conditions,” Mayor Schier said.

“The focus groups are the start of ongoing community consultation measures to understand these views and address water concerns.”

A series of focus groups were independently recommended rather than an open forum, to achieve a cross-section of residents and encourage a more accurate and in-depth exploration of a range of community views in this foundation stage.  

“The challenges are to ensure the efficient use and management of existing water supplies and to secure new water sources that can meet social and economic needs into the future, she said.

“Everyone has a role to play in responsible water resource management.   "Council will be doing its share to reduce water consumption through infrastructure and planning, prompt leak detection and a range of other initiatives.

“We must establish a commitment throughout the community to take positive and individual action to conserve water as is critical to the long term sustainability of our region.”

Research findings will be evaluated over the next two months, prior to launching a public education campaign.