Unlocking Water Project Delivers Promising Results For Three More Regions.

Members f the Community discussing the Unlocking Water Project. Photo Source: Queensland Government  

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Since the delivery of the Unlocking Water Project, an initiative run by the department of local government and water, results and recommendations have been released, all aiming to fulfill the key goals of releasing underutilized water, cutting red tape, and supporting growth and trading.  

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The results showed that more than 132,000 megaliters (ML) of water will now be made available for agriculture and industries in Queensland.  

The total number of completed Unlocking Water Project studies have risen to ten, with the latest additions of Cape York, the Burdekin Basin, and the Pioneer Valley.  

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Through the Watertight Water Security Plans, underutilised water will now be available to support regional growth and aid farmers and industries across the region for years to come.  

The recommendations for the Pioneer Valley include making better use of existing water, supporting water trading and unlocking opportunities for biofutures, which are the Mackay State Development Area and Prosper 2050.  

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In Cape York the recommendations aim to unlock 2,000 ML in the Lakeland area, create smaller releases across seven catchments, and improve access to available water through the reduction of red tape.  

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In the Burdekin Basin, recommendations include releasing 130,000 ML in the Belyando-Suttor sub-catchment and cutting red tape to improve water access, overland flow use and water trading.

Each water plan area is different. Varying on factors like the local demands, environmental and cultural values, the amount and type of water available, and the rules for accessing water.  

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The recommendations aim to create economic benefits for the Indigenous communities in the Cape, whilst also coordinating the use of water in the wider communities and smaller businesses.  

Elected members across the region are championing the success of the water project, amplifying the profit for their local communities.  

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Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Unlocking Water Project outcomes would support stronger regional economies and growth for our agriculture industries.  

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“Our government’s Unlocking Water Project is driving real outcomes to deliver for farmers and industries as promised, including supporting water trading and streamlined processes to support greater water availability.

“From Cape York to the Burdekin and Pioneer Valley, these studies are identifying practical opportunities to make better use of Queensland’s water resource.”

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Unlocking water in the Burdekin Basin will provide greater certainty for the region's agricultural industry, stated by the Member for Buredekin, Dale Last.  

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“The Burdekin is one of Queensland’s great agricultural regions, and unlocking up to 130,000 ML in the Belyando-Suttor catchment is a significant opportunity to support farmers, grow local industries and create jobs,” Mr Last said.

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Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said Water is one of the most valuable resources we have in the Pioneer Valley, making sure it is being put to good use is important.  

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