Council has just announced the completion of upgrades to the water intake points in the creeks and rivers around the shire.

Council recently completed $785,000 worth of upgrades to the Rex Creek intake, Whyanbeel intake and Whyanbeel Water Treatment Plant under State Government’s Works for Queensland program.

The Rex Creek Intake, located at the Mossman Gorge, is the water source for Port Douglas, Cooya Beach, and Cassowary. Mowbray, Newell Beach and Mossman.

Water is treated at the Mossman Water Treatment Plant before it flows to townships.

Council also uses its water reservoirs as a buffer during peak demand periods and a backup during extreme rain events.

Upgrades include easier access to the inlet chamber, safety handrails, installation of a scour valve to remove sand and safety grates.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said this would reduce the downtime if the intake were blocked.

“During heavy rainfall, high volumes of water containing silt, sand and vegetation can actually block intakes and stop a full flow of water to the treatment plant,” she said.

“Each wet season, our council crews are tasked with the challenging and unenviable task of removing these blockages in often trying circumstances.

“These upgrades improve our ability to access any blockages and give a boost to the region’s water resilience.”

The final stage follows design work completed during the 2017/18 financial year.