Project overview

Groundwater issues in the Lower Burdekin region

The Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme (BHWSS) is a Sunwater-owned and operated water distribution scheme, located approximately 90km south of Townsville near the township of Clare.

As a major contributor to agricultural production in Queensland and Australia, the water across BHWSS is mostly used for irrigation purposes, with sugar cane the predominate crop. The popularity of alternative cropping and horticulture is increasing.

During the late 1980s the Lower Burdekin saw a large increase in surface water irrigation following the construction of the Burdekin Falls Dam and expansion of the BHWSS. This combined with topography changes, removal of vegetation, annual rainfall events, the construction and operation of water supply infrastructure and irrigation practices have contributed to increases in groundwater recharge and in turn increased salinity.

As one part of a holistic approach shared by government, industry, customers and community in the region, Sunwater is delivering the Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater Mitigation (LBRGWM) Project as a critical program of off-farm actions to respond to rising groundwater and salinity levels.

Funding

A $25 million funding package is in place for investigation and infrastructure works. Sunwater contributed $12.5 million towards investigative works. The Australian Government contributed $12.5 million through the National Water Grid Authority.

Sunwater’s project forms part of the wider Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water’s (DRDMW) draft strategy to address the risks to agricultural production associated with rising groundwater and salinity levels.

About the Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater Mitigation Project

The LBRGWM Project aims to deliver targeted off-farm actions to contribute to the mitigation of rising groundwater in the Mulgrave and Haughton Sub Areas.

Since 2021, Sunwater has been conducting a series of investigative works to identify and determine possible seepage mitigation options. Local grower representatives, agronomists, scientists and government agencies have provided input to assist in identifying sustainable solutions for areas impacted by rising groundwater.

Sunwater has identified and is further investigating three options to progress, including a groundwater extraction borefield, upgrades to a section of Channel H10 and improving efficiencies of the Gladys Lagoon water distribution system.

Project location

Helpful resources

Find out what you can do on your farm to contribute to mitigating rising groundwater.

We have listed some helpful resources below that you can access to learn more.

• Queensland Government’s Land Restoration Fund – Round 2 supports landholders interested in developing a new carbon farming project or entering the carbon farming industry.
• NQ Dry Tropics a not-for-profit organisation that supports the Burdekin Dry Tropics Community to sustainably manage its land and water. For funding and grants opportunities, visit the NQ Dry Tropics online Grants Hub.
• Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS) a not-for-profit organisation providing independent resource for agronomic advice and support throughout the Burdekin district.
• AgriTech Solutions provide agronomic advice to farming enterprises and the irrigation industry, with a particular focus on sugarcane and horticulture.
• Farmacist provide agronomic solutions to communities in the Burdekin, and Far North Queensland region.