$750m Bowen Pipeline Project Approaches Final Hurdle

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, President of BGGA, Carl Walker, BPC Director Sean Brown, and Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins (WRC). Photo supplied

‍

‍

The Bowen Pipeline Company will launch its critical water sales program this week, marking the final major milestone before seeking federal funding for a $750 million generational water infrastructure project.

Opening on 20 May and running until 24 June, the program will serve as the commercial validation required to secure a 50 per cent federal government construction grant.

‍

The privately funded project would involve the construction of a 182-kilometre underground pipeline from the Burdekin River to Bowen, running primarily along the Bruce Highway corridor.

Once operational, the pipeline is anticipated to deliver 100,000 megalitres of water annually, securing a reliable supply for Australia’s largest winter vegetable-growing region.

‍

Bowen Pipeline Company director Sean Brown said the water sales program was the culmination of nearly a decade of local advocacy.

"This is essentially the final hurdle to be jumped prior to the lodging of our Federal Government construction grant application,” Mr Brown said.

‍

"For the Project to be considered by the Federals as a worthy recipient of funding, the region needs to demonstrate both large water demand volumes and significant numbers of water users."

‍

The company has set a minimum water volume of 20 megalitres, which can be shared between adjoining properties.

‍

"In effect, water users will be paying 2025 prices for water that will be delivered in 2030," Mr Brown said.

‍

The project is tracking towards ‘shovel-ready’ status by September 2026, ahead of a federal funding application. The company aims to secure a funding commitment in the May 2027 Federal Budget, with construction slated to begin in September 2027.

‍

Boasting a benefit-cost ratio of 1.27, the pipeline is projected to create 200 jobs during construction and 1,200 permanent roles upon completion. It is expected to drive a $300 million annual economic gain for agriculture and unlock up to $1 billion in additional investment throughlocal green energy initiatives, such as sustainable aviation fuel and green ammonia.

‍

The infrastructure features several industry firsts, including Indigenous project equity and ownership, and a net-zero footprint supported by 30-megawatt solar farms utilising Australian-made Tindo Solar panels.

Mr Brown credited local communities and political leaders, including Premier David Crisafulli, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, and local MPs and mayors, for progressing the project.

‍

"After 9 years of community effort to get this far, we seek your support for this final push," Mr Brown said.

‍

"This project is being built on the shoulders of the people who not only live in the region but all those who came before us."

‍

Public information and water sales presentations will commence at 4:30 pm at the DPI in Bowen on 20 and 28 May, and at the Ayr ANZAC Memorial Club on 21 and 27 May.

‍