Unlocking Water Project identifies over 132,000 ML of water across three Queensland regions

• Crisafulli Government’s Unlocking Water Project has completed a further three studies in Cape York, Burdekin Basin and Pioneer Valley. 
• Project recommendations include unlocking an additional 132,000 ML of water across the Cape and Burdekin regions while supporting industry growth in the Pioneer. 
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment to analyse all 23 Queensland water plans by 2028, after water sat idle during Labor’s decade of decline. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment with another three Unlocking Water Project studies, finding more than 132,000 megalitres (ML) of water that could be made available for release to support agriculture and industries in Queensland. 

The latest studies cover Cape York, the Burdekin Basin and the Pioneer Valley water plan areas, bringing the total number of completed Unlocking Water Project studies to ten.  

Under the former Labor Government, water that should have been supporting regional growth was tied up and left unused, holding back farmers and industry across the region during their decade of decline. 

The Crisafulli Government is continuing to release underutilised water throughout Queensland through our Watertight Water Security Plan, just like we said we’d do.   

Recommendations for the Pioneer Valley focus on making better use of existing water, supporting water trading and unlocking opportunities for biofutures, the Mackay State Development Area and Prosper 2050. 

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

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. 

The recommendations also support greater community and small business use of water and facilitate economic benefits for Indigenous communities in the Cape. 

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. 

“Labor let water sit idle while regional Queensland missed out on jobs and growth, but the Crisafulli Government is unlocking its potential,” Minister Leahy said.  

“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.”  

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said unlocking water in the Burdekin Basin would provide greater certainty for the region’s agricultural industry. 

“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. 

Member for Cook David Kempton said the findings would provide further water security options for Lakeland farmers who have suffered chronic water shortages for years.  

“Unlocking more water in Cape York means unlocking new opportunities for our farmers in particular who have an abundance of highly fertile soils, a diversity of crops but lack adequate water supply,” Mr Kempton said. 

“I am pleased to see practical recommendations that will improve access to water and support growth across the region. 

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said water is one of the most valuable resources we have in the Pioneer Valley, and we need to make sure it is being put to productive use. 

“The Pioneer Valley has enormous agricultural and economic potential, but unlocking that potential means having a water allocation system that reflects what is actually happening on the ground,” Mr Kelly said.  

“As industries grow and land uses change across the Pioneer Valley, our water system needs to change with them. We need to make water accessible to new and emerging industries that want to invest, expand and create local jobs.” 

To learn more about the Unlocking Water Project, visit https://www.dlgwv.qld.gov.au/water/unlocking-water-project  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kyah Devine, 0428 217 040