Burdekin Basin water plan
The process to review and replace the Burdekin Basin water plan is underway.
We are working with water users, scientists, businesses, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, local governments and the wider community about how we can best use and allocate water resources in the Burdekin.
The expiry date of the Water Plan (Burdekin Basin) 2007 has been postponed by three years to 1 September 2026. This will give us more time to consult and complete technical assessments as part of preparing a replacement water plan.
View the notice of postponement (PDF, 59KB).
Public consultation
The first round of public consultation closed on 5 May 2023.
Black River water management
We are looking at ways to protect existing water entitlements and simplify management arrangements in the region.
To help achieve this, we’re proposing to include the Black River underground water area (PDF, 687.6KB) in the Burdekin Basin water plan.
The groundwater resources of the Black River Underground Water Area (UWA) is currently managed separately under the Water Regulation 2016 and is considered fully allocated.
Urban growth in the region has led to an increasing demand for groundwater resources. By transferring the management of the Black River UWA to the region’s water plan, we can better safeguard the rights of existing authorised water users and minimise water supply risks.
If you have some thoughts about this, we want to hear from you.
Contact us to make an appointment at WPBurdekin@rdmw.qld.gov.au or 1800 822 100, or come along to our next public drop in session:
- Friday 23 February 2024, 5.30–7.30pm, Rupertswood Community Hall in Alice River
We are considering all feedback received and continue to consult on the water plan and the emerging needs of water users in the catchment.
The draft replacement water plan is being developed alongside the Burdekin Regional Water Assessment which will set out how existing infrastructure, new infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions can be used to maximise water supply in the region and drive economic growth.
Further opportunities to provide feedback will be available when we open public consultation on the draft replacement water plan in 2025. You can contact the project team directly.
Further information
If you need any further information or wish to discuss the Burdekin Basin water plan with someone from the department, please contact us.
- Phone – 1800 822 100
- Email – WPBurdekin@rdmw.qld.gov.au
Find out more about:
- Water management in the Burdekin Basin.
- Rising groundwater in the Lower Burdekin.
- The Regional Water Assessment Program.
- The Bradfield Regional Assessment and Development panel.
- Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro energy storage.
Last updated: 16 Feb 2024