Barlil Weir Project

Barlil Weir Project

Barlil, Queensland

Sunwater is planning for a new weir at Barlil in the South Burnett Region to improve regional water security and support agricultural growth.

Project overview

On behalf of the Queensland Government, Sunwater is working to deliver a new weir at Barlil in the South Burnett Region to improve regional water security and support agricultural growth.

The weir has been the subject of previous design and feasibility studies and was recommended for future consideration in the Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Water Assessment (BBRWA).

Once complete, Barlil Weir would increase the reliability of existing water allocations to provide opportunities higher value cropping options or expansion of agriculture in the area.

Barlil Weir is planned to be built on Barambah Creek approximately 8 kilometres northwest of Murgon, in the Barker Barambah Water Supply Scheme (BBWSS).

The proposed weir will stand approximately 6 – 7 metres high and 90 metres wide, with a capacity of 1,500 megalitres (ML) to increase the reliability of existing Medium Priority water allocations to build resilience into the water network.

Planning activities and on-site investigations are currently underway to inform the development of weir design and cost estimates to be presented to government in 2026 for an investment decision.

Proposed weir location


Project status

Sunwater is conducting on-site investigations required to progress the planning and design of the new weir, including: 

  • Ecological surveys to identify the presence of any species and habitats protected under State and Commonwealth legislation.  
  • Bathymetry surveys to map the depth and shape of underwater terrain to help understand the amount of water the new weir could hold.  
  • Aerial LiDAR investigations to better understand regional topography.   
  • Ground surveys to understand the physical and environmental conditions of the site. 
  • Geotechnical investigations to help understand the ground conditions and rock properties at the site and surrounding area. 
  • Cultural heritage surveys, working with the Wakka Wakka People to identify and assess areas of the site that hold cultural significance. 

Work is also underway to identify and secure the necessary planning and environmental approvals to enable construction of the weir. 


Next steps

The next stage of planning for the project includes progressing engineering design, procurement activities, planning for enabling and site preparatory works, and securing necessary approvals. 

Sunwater is committed to ensuring local suppliers and the community benefit from this project and will work with local businesses, Traditional Owners and the community to provide information about future work opportunities as they are available.  

Barlil Weir Project is subject to government and environmental approvals, and full costs and timeframes are yet to be determined. 


Contact us

If you have a question about Barlil Weir Project, would like to send us some feedback or contact a member of our project team, here’s how to contact us.

General project enquiries

Ph: 07 3120 0050
E: weirprojects@sunwater.com.au

Media enquiries

Ph: 07 3120 0047
E: media@sunwater.com.au