About us

The Water & Waste division of the Cairns Regional Council is responsible for providing three core services to the Cairns regional community:
  • Water management.
  • Wastewater management.
  • Solid waste & recycling management.

Water & Waste strives to serve the Cairns community in a manner which maximises both Council and community ideals. This is achieved through the frequent assessment of economic, social and environmental objectives in all stages from long term planning through to operational delivery.

Our mission

"To deliver quality and reliable water, wastewater and waste services, that meet the needs of our community."

Our vision

"To be recognised as a customer focused provider of quality services to the Cairns regional community, that values innovation and continuous improvement in the delivery of our services, and fosters input from staff and the community into our decision-making processes."

Water & Waste works closely with community and environmental groups, local residents and councils, schools and other stakeholders such as the Department of Environment & Resource Management on the planning and implementation of its three core services.

View our customer service standards flyer or the complete version of Water & Waste's customer service standards.

Education

Water

Water & Waste offers water education programs for all educational institutions including TAFE, ESL Schools and Universities. The water conservation programs include:

  • School Presentations
  • Field Trips
  • Curriculum
  • Competitions
  • Audits
  • Articles
  • News
  • Incentives
  • Environmental Calendar

Waste

Water & Waste offers onsite education visits to our Materials Recovery Facility in Portsmith. This tour gives teachers and students a visual introduction as to where our waste and recyclables go and what happens to them after they leave our homes and businesses.

Allow 30 minutes for this visit, which is held in the comfort and safety of the air-conditioned viewing-room, which can best accommodate a maximum of 25 students. Tours can also be arranged to the Portsmith Transfer Station and BuyBack Shop, a short drive from the facility, given Workplace Health and Safety Standards of the sites are adequate at the time of the visit.

Bookings

For tour bookings or education related enquiries please email m.taylor@cairns.qld.gov.au or call (07) 4044 3044.