General News
10 September, 2025
Dimbulah water releases
A PUBLIC information session by the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers will be held at Dimbulah next Tuesday to determine interest in releasing unallocated water in the Barron water plan area.
The session will be held at the Dimbulah Memorial Hall, 29 Raleigh Street, from 6pm-8pm.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro confirmed that he had received advice from the department that the expressions of interest submission period for the unallocated water release had been extended until 31 October.
This new process aims to understand the current demand for water for new and existing industries – including agriculture, tourism and water for First Nations groups – in sub-catchments E, F and G, and to determine if there is enough interest to release unallocated water.
Mr Moro confirmed that stakeholders, who had previously submitted an expression of interest indicating they were interested in unallocated water, had been advised of the project via email.
“Anyone still interested in unallocated water, is encouraged to submit a new EOI to confirm details of their interest as part of this process,” he said.
More details, including how to submit an EOI, can be found online by going to www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning and clicking on Unallocated Water.
Department senior natural resource officer for the north region, Cameron Venables, claims the Unlocking Water project is focused on finding ways to make more water available to support key industries, including agriculture.
“To do this, we’re analysing all 23 water plans throughout Queensland,” he said.
“The Barron water plan is the first to be analysed using this new approach, and we have identified opportunities in the Walsh River catchment.”
The Unlocking Water project recommendations include:
Releasing unallocated water in the Walsh River catchment to meet agricultural demand.
Allowing more flexible seasonal water trading.
Continuing work to improve First Nations’ access to water, and
Amending the water plan if future demand exceeds current reserves.
Mr Moro said these recommendations supported growth, water security, and opportunities across the region.
Applications for new water licences in the Barron are expected to open in late 2026.
Next up for the Unlocking Water project are the Mitchell, Wet Tropics and Gulf water plans, with findings and recommendations due to be completed by the end of 2025.
