Input sought from water users as Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment progresses

Bundaberg and Burnett farmers are being asked to outline their future water needs as part of a comprehensive new assessment program to improve water security and plan for the region’s future water needs.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said as part of the Queensland Government’s Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Water Assessment, being led by Sunwater, a 20-minute online survey had been released for current and potential irrigators to provide information that will inform water requirements in the region for the next 30 years.

“The Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Water Assessment is identifying how investment in water can enhance future agricultural, industrial and urban growth, helping unlock the economic potential of one of Queensland’s most important food bowl regions – and this survey is a key part of that process,” he said.

“Water supply security is essential to create and expand businesses and increase production – which in turn provides jobs.”

“The Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Water Assessment will examine opportunities across the entire region, not on a project-by-project basis, so that all options can be assessed together to determine how the region’s water needs can be met.”

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith encouraged growers and other agricultural water users to get involved and complete the survey.

“Your input will ensure we have the most up-to-date data and perspectives for the assessment which helps planning for the future.

“The Palaszczuk Government is serious about water security, that’s why we’re getting on with rebuilding Paradise Dam and this assessment only reinforces our commitment to this region’s future water security.”

The confidential survey asks participants to identify their location, current and future potential uses, how much water they are using now and how much they think they might need in the future.

It will be open until 15 May at: https://alluviumgroup.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/rwa-bundaberg-burnett/irrigation-survey

Sunwater is leading the assessment, on behalf of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (DRDMW).

The assessment’s Stakeholder Advisory Group has held meetings in Bundaberg and Murgon and Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the response from councils, industry groups and peak bodies had been positive.

“There is a great deal of interest in this program, and we look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders across the region,” he said.

“Ultimately, the assessment will inform the development of a region-wide strategy to create economic opportunity through water.”

 The Queensland Government is investing $9 million in regional water assessments across three food bowls of Queensland.

In addition to Bundaberg and Burnett, work is already underway on assessments in the Southern and Darling Downs and Mareeba-Atherton Tablelands regions, which are being led by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.

ENDS