Water

Queensland’s water resources are precious and must be efficiently managed to meet the needs of our growing population and industry demand, while ensuring the sustainability of our water resources in times of drought and into the future.

Since releasing the strategy, we’ve progressed 15 water infrastructure priority actions, including:

• a statewide water security plan, which is currently in development to support water security and economic growth. This process is expected to complete the review and replacement of the Queensland Water Strategy in 2026
• continuing delivery of the Seqwater Dam Improvement Program, investing in our region's dams to ensure ongoing safety and water security for years to come. The Program includes upgrades to Lake Macdonald Dam and early works at North Pine and Somerset dams
• progressing delivery of five actions set out in the Queensland Water Market Optimisation Action Plan, including:
  • enabling access to more water data for water users and water investors
  • collecting and releasing water trade price information, supporting the development of water bulletin boards to enable matching of willing buyers and sellers
  • exploring the use of interactive digital platform for water users and water investors to access water market data and information
• investment of $195M to strengthen water security in Cairns including the upgrade to the Freshwater Creek Water Treatment Plant
• release of the Seqwater’s Water Security Program 2023, a 30-year plan to maintain high levels of water security for South East Queenslanders.