‘A major underground water project spruiked as vital to Cairns future water supply could be delayed by doubts over environmental studies.'

The Cairns Regional Council is about to embark on a public relations exercise to promote the Mulgrave River Aquifer. It is hoped work will start on the project by the end of the year.

‘The council is battling counter claims raised by Mulgrave Landcare which has criticized the council's feasibility and environmental studies.' State and Federal governments have been provided with the Mulgrave Landcare's own detailed review of the proposal.

Mulgrave Landcare's Bruce Corcoran said ‘the project was likely to lower the water table enough to stop Behana Creek from flowing during the dry season and cause serious degradation. 'Stage 2 (2017) would extract 40 megalitres a day from the Aquifer.

Source: Weekend Post Saturday April 3, 2010