The new Port Douglas reservoir is a done deal, regardless of which party wins office in the federal election on July 2.

This became reality after the Labor’s candidate for Leichhardt, Sharryn Howes, said her party would match the LNP’s commitment pledged earlier this month to provide $6.7 million for the project.

The State Government has already committed $5 million to the $14.4 million reservoir.

Mayor Julia Leu has welcomed the commitment which ensures that funding will be provided.

“Water security is the top infrastructure priority for Douglas Shire Council and I’m delighted both sides of federal politics have thrown their support behind the new reservoir,” Mayor Leu said.

“Without a new reservoir, we do not have the capacity to meet future water needs but with federal funding now secured we can move forward and start construction in the coming months.

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“This is a fantastic outcome for our region and in particular our ratepayers who would’ve been left with the financial burden for this essential infrastructure project if it did not receive funding from the State and Federal Governments.”

The project, which will help upgrade the water supply infrastructure for Port Douglas and Craiglie, includes the design and construction of a 20ml reservoir, including 2.5 kilometres of dedicated outlet mains and improved sealed road access.

The project will create over 30 jobs during the 18-month construction period, with 40 full-time new jobs created per year.

Construction of the new $14.4 million reservoir would begin in the coming months once the funding is secured, offering water security to Port Douglas residents and businesses for future generations.