Local feedback requested for draft Georgina and Diamantina water plan

• The Crisafulli Government is calling for public feedback on the draft water plan for the Georgina and Diamantina catchment. 
• It will replace the current water plan, ensuring the region’s long-term water needs are met and sustainably managed into the future.
• Key changes include doubling the volume of identified unallocated water, changes to overland flow management, and clearer management arrangements for connected underground water.
• The Crisafulli Government is boosting water security across regional communities, after the former Labor Government left Queensland with ageing water infrastructure, a $6.5 billion cost blowout in water projects, botched dams, failing regional water security and the most expensive water bills in the nation. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Western Queensland by calling on water users, communities and industries to have their say on the draft Georgina and Diamantina water plan. 

The new plan will replace the current water plan and support the region’s long-term water security, while creating greater opportunities for future economic and community development. 

The former Labor Government failed to keep Queensland’s water planning framework on track, allowing important work to fall behind and creating uncertainty for regional communities and industries. 

The Crisafulli Government is turning that around by delivering the Watertight Water Security Plan to review all water plans to boost agriculture productivity and reduce costs for families, to boost affordability and reliability of supply.   

Key changes include doubling identified unallocated water from 13,500ML to 27,000ML, increasing the take of overland flow for particular uses and introducing new reserve categories to provide greater flexibility for future economic development, community needs and projects of State and regional significance. 

There are also updated outcomes that align with current requirements under the Water Act 2000, as well as clearer management arrangements for connected underground water. 

The plan covers around 266,000 square kilometres of Western Queensland, including Bedourie, Birdsville, Boulia, Camooweal, Dajarra, Duchess, Urandangi and Winton, as well as the Georgina and Diamantina River systems. 

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said local communities and industries would play an important role in shaping the final water plan. 

“The former Labor Government let important water planning work fall behind, but the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering the certainty and flexibility Western Queensland needs,” Minister Leahy said. 

“This draft plan is about securing the region’s water future while creating opportunities for communities, industries and businesses to grow. 

“We want to deliver a water plan that strikes the right balance and supports ongoing livestock production and supports the long-term water security, prosperity and sustainability of Western Queensland.”  

Assistant Minister and Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the water planning certainty Western Queensland had been waiting for.  

“Labor allowed important water planning work to fall behind, leaving regional Queensland with too much uncertainty about its water future,” Mr Dillon said. 

“The Crisafulli Government is fixing that by getting water planning back on track, unlocking more opportunities for regional development and making sure Western Queensland has the water security it needs to grow.” 

Consultation closes 16 December 2026.  

For more information on the draft water plan and to submit feedback, visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/water-plan-areas/georgina-diamantina/review  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kyah Devine, 0428 217 040