Environment by Bronwyn Farr Premium Content Subscriber only CAIRNS could face dire water restrictions by 2027 as the region's growth outstrips supply - and Cairns Regional Council is after a big-ticket item in the federal budget to remedy a looming crisis. The council wants $215m for its Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project which will involve water infrastructure on the Mulgrave River to deliver water into the main network, saying Copperlode Dam and Behana Creek will fail to meet future needs. Cairns Mayor Bob Manning says federal funding for Mulgrave River water infrastructure is essential for the region’s future. Picture: Brendan Radke