About us

Queensland has a highly regarded, evidence-based planning and policy framework. This framework guides best practice decision-making in managing water resources—a system that is complex, adaptive and highly technical, with intersecting and competing interests.

We use holistic water planning and effective management of water assets. These tools help us make sure water is made available to consumers and managed sustainably to fulfil state and national obligations for the environment, and urban, rural and remote water needs.

Investments in water infrastructure are guided by a detailed assessment process and must stack up against sustainability criteria. They are often part of a wider stakeholder engagement or co-funding arrangements with the Australian Government and other entities.

The Queensland Government has a strong track record of investing in monitoring, science and modelling programs to use in decisions. This includes a long-term science partnership within government as well as innovating science and modelling tools through the Queensland Water Modelling Network.

To successfully meet the challenges ahead, clear action, collective stewardship and strong relationships will deliver the social, cultural and environmental values we all want to maintain. Read more about our decision making principles

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Acknowledgment of Country

The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country.

We recognise the ongoing spiritual and cultural connection Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with land, water, sea and sky.

We pay our deep respects to their Elders past and present, support future leaders, and acknowledge First Nation peoples’ right to self-determination.

Our department's commitment and path forward to how we will reframe and build stronger relationships with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples is set out in our plan -  Reframing relationships with First Nations peoples – Our plan for being and working together 2023-2026 (PDF, 12.0MB).