Bowen Pipeline Project Powers Ahead Toward State Approval

The Bowen Pipeline Project is on track to receive approval from the Queensland Government later this year, promising to unlock significant economic, agricultural, and employment benefits for the Whitsundays and surrounding regions.

Bowen Pipeline Company representative, Sean Brown confirmed public advertising for the project’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application commenced on the 4th of April.

“We are on target for the State approval, with Commonwealth approval shortly after that,” said Mr Brown.

“The project is on track to achieve the timeline of soil turning within 12 months.”

The pipeline, stretching 182 kilometres from the Burdekin River near Home Hill to Bowen, will deliver reliable water to local growers, the Bowen township, and surrounding communities including Gumlu and Guthalungra. It will support North Queensland’s largest winter vegetable growing area, helping to secure water for over 250 million kilograms of fruit and vegetables produced annually.

The project has already attracted more than $4 million from 40 local growers and industry investors, as well as a $5 million Commonwealth grant for design and engineering. It will create 200 jobs during construction and 1,200 ongoing positions once operational.

The Bowen Pipeline will also support emerging green energy industries, with the capacity to generate up to $1 billion in annual economic income from renewable sectors such as ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel and bio-diesel. It will supply water to the Abbot Point Green Energy Export Precinct by 2028.

Significantly, the project includes equity ownership for the Juru and Bindal Peoples, an Australian first, and will be built using Australian-made HDPE pipe technology to reduce emissions and transport needs.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the broad range of supporters and stakeholders who share our vision of developing North Queensland into a commercial and industrial hub,” added Mr Brown.

For more information, visit www.bowenpipeline.com.au.

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The Bowen Pipeline Project is set to deliver reliable water, jobs, and economic growth to the Whitsundays region, with state approval expected later this year (Photo Supplied)

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