Gulf Water Plan review
Latest on this project - June 2024
Ingrid Fomiatti Minnesma, Executive Director, Water Resource Management & Bronwyn Dwyer, Manager, Water Planning & Science from the North Region, Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water joined NWQROC’s meeting in Cloncurry in May 2024 to explain the review processes, timelines and mechanisms for engagement and possible role for the ROC.
The status of this review is at step one: commencement, seeking ideas and suggestions through public consultation.
The first round of first round of public consultation closed on the 19 July 2024.
Step two: review feedback and use technical assessments to develop the draft new water plan 2024-2026
Step three: release the draft for second round of public consultation 2026
Step four: review and finalise 2026-2027
Step five: New water plan in place 2027
Background
On 15 March 2024, The Hon Glenn Butcher MP, Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water announced a review of the Gulf Water Plan and a Gulf Regional Water Assessment (RWA) which will run alongside the water plan review.
The plan review process will take into account new climate modelling, which may indicate that more water could be available in the water plan area. The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (DRDMW) is also considering what new and improved water products could better meet demand and ways to facilitate more water trading.
In response to surging interest for water from the emerging critical minerals sector and agriculture proposals, a new Gulf Regional Water Assessment (RWA) will run alongside the water plan review. Similar to the existing five RWAs in Queensland, the Gulf RWA will be a comprehensive assessment that examines future water demand and the best options to meet that demand.
Both the plan and water assessment processes provide opportunities for the community, water users, experts and key stakeholders to collaboratively consider how to best manage water resources in the region well into the future to support existing and emerging industries, water security for population growth and environmental needs.
More information
Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water - Gulf water plan review
