Regional Water Assessments
The Queensland Government is setting a roadmap for economic growth in some of Queensland’s most significant food bowls through Regional Water Assessment (RWA) Program.
The Queensland Government is setting a roadmap for economic growth in some of Queensland’s most significant food bowls through a Regional Water Assessment (RWA) Program.
Building on previous water supply investigations in each region, the program is taking a comprehensive view of local water needs and identifying gaps to be filled.
Once complete, the assessments will set out how existing infrastructure, new infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions can be used to maximise water supply in each area and drive economic growth.
Bundaberg and Burnett
Sunwater is leading the Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Water Assessment (BBRWA) on behalf of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (DRDMW).
The assessment includes all of Bundaberg Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.
Public consultation on the draft assessment is now open with feedback on the draft BBRWA and proposed options required by 5:00pm, Thursday 2 November 2023.
Download the draft BBRWA and find out where you can have your say, here website.
Southern and Darling Downs
The Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment is being delivered by the DRDMW with input and advice from key stakeholders including Sunwater.
The assessment area includes all of Southern Downs Regional Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council and parts of Western Downs Regional Council around Dalby.
Granite Belt Irrigation Project (Emu Swamp Dam)
The Granite Belt Irrigation Project, which includes Emu Swamp Dam, is being re-evaluated by DRDMW under the Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment.
While the re-evaluation process is undertaken, the Queensland Government has preserved relevant assessment and development work already done by the project’s previous proponent, Granite Belt Water Limited.
Sunwater is working with Granite Belt Water Ltd to transfer and hold key Granite Belt Irrigation Project assets, including its Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity and Conservation Act approval, while the RWA evaluation progresses.
More information on the Southern and Darling Downs assessment is available on the DRDMW website.