On The Land
23 November, 2025
Unlocking more water
AN additional 73,000ML of water has been identified from the Barron and Mitchell water plan areas, according to the State Government.
The extra water is in addition to the more than 100,000ML previously released across Queensland.
Through the Watertight Water Security Plan, the Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment to review Queensland’s 23 water plans to release water to boost agriculture productivity and reduce costs for families.
The additional water in the Barron and Mitchell areas will be delivered where it’s needed most and will provide a significant boost to farmers, helping them to become more drought resilient.
Key recommendations for the Barron and Mitchell plans include:
• Releasing unallocated water across the water plan to support on-farm projects.
• Cutting red tape by reducing complexity and restrictions to taking and storing overland flow water.
• Unallocated water release process easier for applicants, and
• Considering detailed suggestions during the water plan review to better meet water demands, including clarifying overland flow rules, refining and reserving unallocated water volumes, determining unallocated groundwater reserves, improving hydrologic modelling, and supporting water trading.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Unlocking Water project would foster economic development and growth in the regions.
“We know that water equals economic opportunity and finding more water so farms and agribusinesses can expand, helping them to create more jobs and deliver benefits to the local economy, is what we promised Queenslanders,” she said.
“The department has met with the community and gained feedback directly from water users and other stakeholders to map the demand levels for more water.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said Labor left Far North Queensland behind with 10 years of excuses and zero delivery.
“We’re delivering what Labor never could and are providing real access to water that drives jobs, growth and drought resilience for our farmers,” he said.
“Unlocking 73,000 megalitres means Cook is back in business and what this is, is the Crisafulli Government backing the bush and delivering for the Far North."
