Plan to combine three water plans into one in central Queensland

The proposed Central Queensland water plan area will combine and review the existing Fitzroy Basin, Boyne River Basin and Calliope River Basin water plan areas under one new larger plan area.

This new plan would also include the nearby coastal basin areas of Styx, Shoalwater and Waterpark, which don’t fall under a water plan.

DRDMW Executive Director – North Region Ingrid Fomiatti Minnesma said the new, combined water plan will enable better management of the catchment, where rivers, creeks and groundwater aquifers are part of one ecosystem.

“Our goal as water planners is to deliver water plans that best service the needs of the communities, environments and industries that rely on them – both now and for the years to come.

“The existing Fitzroy Basin, Boyne River Basin and Calliope River Basin water plan areas were established a long time ago and we now believe that, combined under one single plan, water resources across these areas could be managed in a better way.

“It’s important we hear directly from communities to make sure we’re thoroughly considering water use, challenges and opportunities as we explore developing the Central Queensland water plan.

“Whether providing feedback online, or connecting with us in-person, I encourage water users in region to consider this proposal and have their voices heard.”

Public feedback is critical to informing whether the proposed water planning change could better and more sustainably balance the needs of the region’s water users and environment.

The new water plan would also be based on the best available science and technical reviews, including hydrologic, socio-economic, cultural and environmental assessments.

With existing water plans in the region all soon due for replacement, it is timely opportunity to explore developing the new Central Queensland water plan for a more holistic approach to water demand and allocation of these connected water resources that supports economic growth in an environmentally responsible way.

The new proposed water plan area would also align well with work underway through the Central Queensland Regional Water Assessment, which is exploring future water supply and urban water security options for the same region.

The department will meet directly with interested stakeholders throughout the review process and provide opportunities to meet and talk about water planning.

More information about the proposed Central Queensland water plan and written feedback can be submitted to the department via the DRDMW website.

Submissions will close Monday 4 November 2024.

-ENDS-

Download a map of the proposed Central Queensland water plan area (PNG, 893KB).

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