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The proposed release would come from the Belyando-Suttor sub-catchment
The Burdekin Basin could see an additional 130,000 megalitres of water released for use under recommendations from a Queensland Government review aimed at improving access to underutilised water resources.
The proposed release would come from the Belyando-Suttor sub-catchment and is part of the latest findings from the State Government’s Unlocking Water Project, which has completed studies across the Burdekin Basin, Cape York and Pioneer Valley.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the findings presented an opportunity to support 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.
The recommendations also include reducing administrative requirements to improve access to water, increase opportunities for water trading and make better use of overland flow resources.
The project examines how existing water resources could be made available for productive use, with the State Government committing to analyse all 23 Queensland water plans by 2028.
The latest three studies bring the total number completed under the project to 10.
Across the three regions, the studies identified more than 132,000 megalitres of water that could potentially be made available, with the majority of the proposed additional supply located in the Burdekin Basin.
In Cape York, recommendations include releasing 2000 megalitres in the Lakeland area, smaller releases across seven catchments and simplifying processes to improve access to available water.
The Pioneer Valley recommendations focus on making better use of existing water allocations, supporting water trading and providing opportunities for emerging industries, including biofutures and development in the Mackay State Development Area.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the studies identified opportunities to support agriculture and regional economic growth.
“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,” Ms Leahy said.
The recommendations are part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader Watertight Water Security Plan.
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