- Public consultation underway for the draft Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment
- Preferred water supply options informed by expert analysis and consultation will be considered
After significant consultation with local government and industry representatives and analysis from experts, the draft Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Water Assessment is open for public consultation, and the community is being encouraged to have their say on future water projects in their region.
The assessment, led by Sunwater on behalf of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, has undertaken months of detailed analysis and consultation, with significant input from experts and key stakeholders in the region.
The draft assessment sets out how existing infrastructure, new infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions can help maximise water supply and drive economic growth.
The draft Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment has identified future options to unlock more water in the region, including:
- initiating Detailed Business Cases for Stage 2 of the Bundaberg Irrigation Network Capacity Upgrade, Cooranga Weir and Barlil Weir projects; and
- initiating a Detailed Business Case for the Jones Weir raising, and undertaking an options analysis to identify the preferred option to meet water needs in the West Barambah area, subject to conditions
The Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Water Assessment area incorporates Bundaberg, Cherbourg Aboriginal, North and South Burnett local government areas.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
"The Palaszczuk Government has invested $5.2 billion in water infrastructure, creating 3,400 jobs across Queensland. These projects have delivered water security to our regions and will drive economic growth for years to come.
"In addition to the infrastructure we are delivering now, we are also undertaking the important planning work so that we can continue to deliver water security and growth into the future. That's why the Regional Water Assessments are so important. By engaging with key stakeholders, the community and experts, we are working together to plan for the future needs of our regions.
"The next important step is to hear the views of farmers, business owners and residents on the proposed options and what they think will best support future growth opportunities.
"I want to thank mayors, councillors, industry and peak body representatives, Traditional Owners, and independent experts for their ongoing commitment to this process."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith:
"Regional Queenslanders know the importance of water security for our communities. It is critical for the growth of our towns, the strengthening of agricultural and horticultural advancement, and for greater industry development. I'm proud to be part of a government that is delivering important infrastructure across the state now, but also planning for our future water needs.
"I look forward to seeing more investment into future water security as this process progresses."
Further Information:
Sunwater has planned consultation activities across the region throughout October and early November 2023, as well as online forums and an interactive website where the public can view proposed options and have their say.
Public consultation details will be available on the Sunwater website.
Feedback on the draft assessment is being sought by Thursday 2 November, 2023.
Regional Water Assessments are also being conducted in the Southern and Darling Downs, Tablelands, and Burdekin regions.
Once complete, the Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment will be considered by the Queensland Government.
