Irrigation Channels

Sunwater Irrigation Channels

Queensland irrigation networks deliver water supply to support agricultural development and diversity, bringing prosperity to the regions.

Bundaberg

Scheme Name

Bundaberg Irrigation

Stream Names

Kolan and Burnett rivers

Structure description

More than 55,000 ha of farmland and over 1000 properties surrounding Bundaberg, Childers and Gin Gin draw on irrigation water from the 630 km of channels and pipelines. The scheme is split into seven distinct systems: Gooburrum, Abbotsford, Givelda, Gin Gin, Bingera, Isis, Woongarra. There are 12 pump stations and 14 balancing storages.


Burdekin Haughton

Scheme Name

Burdekin Haughton Irrigation

Stream Names

Burdekin and Haughton rivers

Structure description:

The network of almost 800 km of pipelines, drains and channels transports 280,000 ML of water every year throughout five storages and 13 pump stations to supply some of Australia’s most important agricultural land and Australia’s irrigated sugar capital.


Lower Mary River

Scheme Name

Lower Mary Irrigation

Stream Names

Mary River and Tinana Creek

Structure description:

More than 50 km of channels and pipelines deliver water to 192 outlets in the 3,500-ha irrigation area. Four pump stations move irrigation water from two storages, the Mary Barrage (which holds up to 12,000 ML) and the Tinana Barrage (which holds up to 4,700 ML) through the Owanyilla Main Channel.


Mareeba Dimbulah

Scheme Name

Mareeba Dimbulah Irrigation

Stream Names

Barron River and Walsh rivers

Structure description

The 54,500-ha catchment includes the Tinaroo Falls Dam, Lake Tinaroo, Barron River and the 30MW Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station. The 176-km gravity-fed main channel takes water from the dam through Mareeba, Walkamin, East Barron, Mutchilba and Dimbulah, with another 189 km of subsidiary channels and pipelines.  At capacity, the main channel carries 1710 ML a day, supplying about 225,000 ML to irrigators annually.