Gulf water plan review

The Gulf water plan area in North West Queensland is a region of major industry growth with increasing demands for water to support new irrigated agriculture and need to access critical minerals (such as copper, vanadium and tungsten). Each year, almost 25,000 gigalitres of water from the area flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria to support economic and environmentally significant fisheries.

We need to find ways to best meet the growing demands for water, while making sure existing water users, cultural values and environmental water needs remain supported. To do this, we are reviewing and replacing the Gulf water plan and we would like to hear what you think.

How to give your feedback

We want your feedback on our list of key issues. Let us know what other things you think we should consider as we review and replace the water plan.

First, read about the Gulf water plan.

Second, read through the key issues and the questions asked for each one. They are:

• How we manage water in the Gulf – watercourses, overland flow and groundwater
• The water plan area
• Updating the science
• Climate change
• First Nations and water
• Improving outcomes
• Identifying unallocated water
• Growing water needs
• Water entitlements
• Water trading

Third, have your say by sending a written submission to us by 17 July 2024.

We will be meeting directly with the community throughout the review process. If you would like to express interest in being part of the Gulf water plan working group to help shape the new water plan, please let us know when you provide your submission.