General News
5 February, 2026
Water lifeline for township
A NEW licence to extract water from the Mossman River aims to prevent strict restrictions during the dry season.
The Queensland Government has granted a new 2000 megalitre (ML) water licence to Douglas Shire Council.
The new licence will allow council to take water from the Mossman River, ensuring it will be ready to use a new water intake and storage infrastructure, expected to begin construction early this year.
Local Government and Water Minister Ann Leahy said that the government was continuing to deliver for local governments and support them to achieve better outcomes for their communities.
“Access to a secure water supply, no matter where you live in our state, is absolutely essential,” she said. “This new water licence for Douglas is helping us achieve exactly that for the Mossman community.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the additional 2000 megalitres of water security was ensuring regional Queensland’s growing communities and local industries had the reliable water they need now and into the future.
“The Crisafulli government is delivering real, practical solutions for Far North Queensland and this water will help future-proof Douglas Shire by supporting population growth, investment and long-term resilience,” he said.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said it was “a really important milestone for Mossman and the wider Douglas Shire. Securing a 2000 megalitre water licence gives the community greater confidence in our future water supply,” she said.
