Identifying unallocated water

Unallocated water is our term for water that is in the system and available for future needs. That means it can be released (or allocated) to future projects without affecting water available for current water users, cultural values or the environment.

Right now, the Georgina and Diamantina water plan includes 13,500ML of unallocated water. Of this, 12,000ML could be released for any purpose and 1,500ML could only be released for projects of state significance. None of this has been released.

Additional water for town water supply may be provided through the plan review.

Demand for water from the critical minerals industry, agriculture industry, urban needs and First Nations peoples may increase in the future.

Water trading is not available in this water plan area. Accessing unallocated water reserves is the only option to meet some of the demand for additional water.

During this review, we will assess the demand for additional water supplies and consider the volumes and arrangements for unallocated water.