Water for Generations: Investing in North Queensland's future

After almost a decade of planning, consultation and community advocacy, the Bowen Pipeline Project has entered a critical phase with water sales now open

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Every region reaches defining moments that shape its future.

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North Queensland supporters of the Bowen Pipeline Project believe this could be one of them.

After almost a decade of planning, consultation and community advocacy, the project has entered a critical phase, opening water sales and giving local growers, businesses and investors the opportunity to participate in the Locals First program.

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While the project itself is about delivering water, the broader conversation is about what secure water makes possible.

The Bowen-Burdekin region is already one of Australia's most productive agricultural areas, supplying around one-fifth of the nation's vegetables and supporting thousands of jobs across farming, transport, processing and local businesses.

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As the region continues to grow, reliable water will play an increasingly important role in supporting agricultural production, encouraging investment, and providing confidence for future generations.

For many producers, water is more than a seasonal necessity. It provides the certainty needed to invest, expand operations, adopt new technologies and plan for the long term.

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Increasingly, it is also recognised as a valuable asset in its own right.

Across Australia's established water markets, water ownership is often considered alongside land ownership as an important part of long-term agricultural productivity and business resilience.

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Bowen Pipeline Company Director Sean Brown said community interest in the Water Sales Program had reflected a growing understanding of water as both a productive resource and a long-term investment.

"People are recognising that water has value beyond immediate production," Mr Brown said.

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"Secure water provides confidence for farming businesses today while also creating opportunities for future generations."

A key feature of the current Water Sales Program is the project's Locals First approach, giving local growers, businesses and investors priority access before allocations become available more broadly.

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The current program is also an important milestone in progressing the project.

Strong participation will demonstrate customer demand and community confidence, while helping support the next stage of project development and discussions with government funding partners.

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Beyond the direct benefits to agriculture, secure water has the potential to strengthen regional employment, encourage new investment, and support industries that will continue to drive North Queensland's economy well into the future.

Importantly these benefits extend beyond today's businesses.

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They are about creating opportunities for young people to remain in the region, supporting local communities and ensuring future generations have the confidence to invest, work and build their lives in North Queensland.

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After nine years of work the Bowen Pipeline Project has reached one of its most significant milestones.

For supporters, this is more than a water sales program. It is an opportunity for the region to demonstrate its confidence in a project designed to support long-term growth and prosperity.

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To learn more about the Bowen Pipeline Project Water Sales Program visit bowenpipeline.com.au/water-sales.

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Water for Growth. Water for Generations.

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Supplied by Bowen Pipeline Company

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