The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) is calling for irrigators in central Queensland’s Dawson Valley Water Management Area to apply for a share in 90,000 ML being released over the next three years from the Dawson River SWIR.
A temporary water licence from this release will allow an irrigator to take water from the Dawson River for a maximum of three years.
Similar releases were made to irrigators in the region in 2019 and 2022. This water has allowed local growers to expand and diversify their operations, supporting the growth of cotton, pulse, and grain crops. This makes a major contribution to the local economy and creates jobs and other benefits for the community.
The DLGWV Executive Director, North Region, Ingrid Fomiatti Minnesma, said the department is keen to make unallocated water available from the Dawson River to support agricultural development in the region.
“The department is keenly aware that water is the key ingredient for a productive, profitable and sustainable primary industries sector,” Fomiatti Minnesma said. “This temporary, fixed price water release will give another three years of certainty to agricultural producers in the Dawson Valley who are successful in their application.
“I encourage irrigators in the area to take the time to assess their needs and apply for a licence.
“Any water licence granted will not be impacted by the current water plan being replaced or changed to a different one,” she said.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) CEO Jo Sheppard said the release was welcome news.
“Water remains a critical input for driving productive and profitable farm businesses,” Sheppard said.
“QFF and our peak body member Cotton Australia, as well as our irrigator members, have seen the massive social and economic benefits that have come from the previous releases, driving agricultural activity throughout the valley, and underpinning the viability of the Moura Cotton Gin, by significantly boosting its throughput. Ongoing access to this water means more regional jobs, and a vibrant Dawson Valley community and local economy.”
Dawson Valley Cotton Growers’ Association president Andrew French said the release was good news for irrigators.
“This is a great opportunity for local irrigators and producers to apply for and access additional water,” he said. “It’s a fantastic initiative, and past releases have gone a long way towards helping increase cropping activity. It’s a real boost for the local economy, and I’m pleased to see that growth is set to continue with this new release now available.”
Legislative amendments to the Water Act 2000 in 2019 made releasing water from the Strategic Water Infrastructure Reserve (SWIR) possible.
These amendments have made it possible for water that was initially reserved for strategic infrastructure ahead of construction to be temporarily released to the community for alternative purposes.
The new water year commences on 1 October 2025, and successful applicants will be offered temporary water licences for three years, expiring on 30 September 2028.
This release has been planned to ensure maximum participation and benefit to submitters with different needs.
For more information about the release, visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/unallocated-water/swir-release-dawson
