Forward planning will play a paramount role in ensuring that secure water resources are available where and when they are needed in Central Queensland, so that the regional community shares in the many gains that will be made. Advances will be led by expansion in the mining, industrial and agricultural sectors, confirming Central Queensland’s place as a key contributor to the state’s economy.

Particular challenges include the distances between urban centres, the apparent declining trends in rainfall and, in some areas, high competition for water supplies.

The Queensland Government, local government, industry, Indigenous and community representatives have worked closely to address the future water needs of Central Queensland. Through this partnership, the Central Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy has sought to identify the most effective ways of equitably meeting the region’s water supply challenges.

The need for a new approach to regional water supply planning arose when it became evident that serious water shortages could hamper many opportunities that are driving a new surge of growth and progress.

The mechanisms proposed to meet these challenges include new pipelines to link key water infrastructure within and outside the region to areas of greatest need. In this way, a regional water grid will be established, forming a first step towards a statewide water grid.

Key water infrastructure, which would form part of a statewide water grid, is located in and around the area covered by the Central Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy.

New water infrastructure proposed for other areas of Queensland will be reflected in regional water supply strategies to be prepared for South East Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett, Mackay Whitsunday, Cairns Atherton Tablelands and Far North Queensland.

Click here to view the Central Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy