The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) is inviting eligible landholders to apply for funding covering up to 90 per cent of costs to cap and pipe ageing water bore infrastructure through the 2027/28 Great Artesian Basin rehabilitation program.
The program will invest up to $15 million to help landholders replace outdated free-flowing bores and open bore drains with modern piping systems that improve water supply reliability, reduce maintenance costs, support better stock management and long-term property productivity.
Supported by funding from the Australian and Queensland governments, the GAB rehabilitation program works in partnership with landholders and communities to improve infrastructure, preserve artesian pressure and reduce water loss.
DLGWV Executive Director Hamish Butler said the program delivered lasting benefits for landholders while helping protect the Great Artesian Basin.
“This program delivers real, practical wins both above and below the ground,” Mr Butler said.
“By partnering with landholders to invest in modern water bore infrastructure, we’re cutting maintenance costs, improving water reliability and on-farm outcomes, while reducing water loss and preserving artesian pressure across the basin.
“These upgrades help secure water supplies, support regional industries and communities, and safeguard one of Queensland’s most important water resources for future generations,” he said.
In the 2025-26 financial year, $10 million in funding through the program was delivered by the Australian and Queensland governments to landholders to support the rehabilitation of 30 bores, installation of seven controlled watering systems and replacement of 150 km of bore drains, resulting in 4,923 ML of water being saved every year.
Through the lifetime of the program, 809 uncontrolled artesian bores have been rehabilitated, replacing more than 15,542 kilometres of bore drains with efficient piping systems.
These efforts have resulted in water savings close to 232,000 ML per annum and significant pressure improvement across the basin, restoring springs and artesian bores which had previously ceased-to-flow.
Paroo Shire landholder Julia Leeds said the two existing bores she had upgraded through the program in 2024 and 2025 were enabling significant improvements for her property’s management while reducing ongoing maintenance needs.
“Both bores were deteriorating and leaking, and one of the bore drains was requiring major renovation works. I was also aware that eventually free-flowing bores in the artesian basin would be decommissioned,” Ms Leeds said.
“The program funding made the projects possible. Financially it would have been extremely difficult to do either project without government support.
“The modern watering system has opened up opportunities to improve stock management, pasture utilisation and future fencing projects across the property.
“Bore drain maintenance is now a thing of the past – freeing up time and labour, reducing fuel consumption and eliminating regular machinery work to delve bore drains.
“If you’re eligible, it’s a program that’s well worth considering. It requires planning, commitment and investment from the landholder, but the long-term benefits are significant.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the program and all involved, including the contractors, the department and the suppliers,” she said.
To apply for funding or learn more about the GAB rehabilitation program, visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/great-artesian-basin/rehabilitation-program/funding-cap-pipe-projects
Submissions close Monday 30 November 2026.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: media@dlgwv.qld.gov.au | 0457 228 028
See previous Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers media releases.