Burdekin Basin water plan

The process to review and replace the Burdekin Basin water plan is underway. We want a wide range of views about how we can best use and allocate water resources in the region.

To get this, we are working with water users, scientists, businesses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, local governments and the wider community.

The expiry date of the Water Plan (Burdekin Basin) 2007 has been postponed by three years to 1 September 2026. This will give us more time to consult with interested parties and complete technical assessments as part of preparing a replacement water plan.

View the notice of postponement (PDF, 59KB).

The draft replacement water plan is being developed alongside the Burdekin Regional Water Assessment. The assessment will set out how existing infrastructure, new infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions can be used to maximise water supply in the region and drive economic growth.

Public consultation

The first round of public consultation closed on 5 May 2023.

In February 2024, we held public drop-in sessions in Townsville. This consultation was about the proposal to include the Black River underground water area (PDF, 687.6KB) in the Burdekin Basin water plan.

We are considering all feedback received. We’ll continue to consult on the water plan and the emerging needs of water users in the catchment.

More chances to give your feedback will be available when we open public consultation on the draft replacement water plan in 2025. You can contact the project team directly.

First Nations engagement

This review is an opportunity for acknowledging and protecting water related cultural values and uses in the water plan area.

The knowledge, stories and values held by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a key role in balancing water needs to ensure a sustainable water plan.

Water plans must include cultural outcomes for the management and allocation of water in the plan area, recognising the importance of water resources to First Nations peoples.

We will be talking and listening to people across the Burdekin Basin water plan area to find out what is important to First Nations peoples.

More information

You can contact us to talk about this review process and ask any questions.

• Phone – 1800 822 100
• Email – WPBurdekin@rdmw.qld.gov.au

Find out more about:

• Water management in the Burdekin Basin.
• Rising groundwater in the Lower Burdekin.
• The Regional Water Assessment Program.
• The Bradfield Regional Assessment and Development panel.
• Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro energy storage.