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Stage One

In 2003, SunWater conducted new pre-feasibility studies into the project with a view to determining whether the project held commercial potential. Whilst these studies concluded that the channel could be constructed at a cost that was within the horticultural industry’s capacity to pay, there was insufficient demand demonstrated at that time to make the project viable from a commercial standpoint. The feasibility study also concluded that whilst there were a number of environmental concerns, these were now considered manageable given appropriate development controls on irrigation practices. The project was therefore considered “not commercial” and placed on low priority until demand was noted to have increased.

As a result of renewed interest from local water users, the State, and industries with a potential to move into the region if water was available, SunWater embarked on a two stage feasibility study to determine the potential for bringing water from the Burdekin to Bowen in October 2004.

Stage One studies involved:

identifying commercial demand for the potential scheme
developing an updated concept design
examining a wide range of issues including environmental considerations which could potentially affect the project.

Download or order your free copy of the Stage One Water for Bowen Report

In late December 2005, SunWater achieved a major milestone in the Water for Bowen project with Premier Beattie announcing completion of Stage One project investigations. Stage One feasibility investigations concluded that market conditions could support a new water transport system.

To proceed to Stage Two, both SunWater and the state government each committed $1.5m towards the Water for Bowen project. Contributions totalling $700,000 were also secured from potential customers, including local agricultural firms, Ports Corporation and the Bowen Shire Council. The state government then put forward a further $1 million to ensure the Stage Two feasibility study of the Water for Bowen project proceeds.

Those parties who provided contributions in Stage One are referred to as Foundation Customers of the Water for Bowen project and have entitlements such as first rights of refusal for water transport capacity.

Water users who are interested in becoming customers for the Water for Bowen scheme can find out more information by reading the Information for Potential Customers or by calling the Water for Bowen hotline 1800 054 397.