Bowen Pipeline Push Enters Final Phase As Water Sales Program Extended

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The proposed $750 million Bowen Pipeline Project has entered a critical phase, with project leaders extending their water sales program as they work towards securing federal funding and delivering what they describe as a "generational" piece of infrastructure for North Queensland.

The privately funded project would see a 182-kilometre underground pipeline constructed from the Burdekin River to Bowen, delivering up to 100,000 megalitres of water annually to one of Australia's most productive horticultural regions.

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Project proponents say the pipeline would provide a secure and reliable water source for the Bowen-Gumlu region, which produces around one-fifth of Australia's annual vegetable crop and generates approximately $750 million in fresh produce each year, despite relying largely on seasonal rainfall.

Bowen Pipeline Company Director Sean Brown said community interest in the project's water sales program continued to grow, prompting the extension of its Locals First water investment policy until 14th July.

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“Our water sales program is tracking nicely with interest steadily increasing from the local communities," Mr Brown said.

“Having said that, it is most interesting to see that demand is intense from those regions that have experience in water trading and water markets generally.

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"They understand that water is an asset, like land, and is a strong enhancement for any investment portfolio, particularly on the driest continent on earth.

“Our desire is for the local community to benefit from the ownership of water and as such we will keep the Locals First water investment policy open for another four weeks. After that the water will be allocated to all parties.”

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Mr Brown said community information sessions had generated strong interest from local residents keen to better understand water markets and the long-term value of water ownership.

“Attendees at our presentations have been delighted with the knowledge they acquire about how water trading is done, the water asset value increases over time, pressures for delivery and the pricing of the water,” he said.

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The company has also expanded its local employment and procurement commitments, linking water ownership opportunities with potential construction jobs.

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“Our Locals First employment and supply policy is resonating strongly in the community,” Mr Brown said.

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“In fact, we have expanded the policy whereby local water purchasers will be given priority consideration for employment opportunities during the construction phase, where suitable.”

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To strengthen its case for federal funding, the project must demonstrate both significant water demand and a substantial number of users. The minimum purchase volume has been set at 20 megalitres, which can be shared between neighbouring properties.

Project leaders are aiming to achieve shovel-ready status by September 2026 before lodging an application seeking federal funding for half of the construction costs.

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“After nine years of community effort to get this far, we seek your support for this final push to make this $750 million generational Project a reality,” Mr Brown said.

If successful, the company hopes to secure funding through the May 2027 Federal Budget and begin construction in September 2027.

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