Unlocking water in the Border Rivers and Moonie water plan area

We have analysed the Border Rivers and Moonie water plan and found ways to unlock more than 300ML of water to help local industries grow.

We assessed these types of information:

• water demand gathered from
  • direct feedback from water users and stakeholders
  • unallocated water expressions of interest (EOI)
  • Southern and Darling Downs regional water assessment
• unallocated water reserves
• existing water entitlements.

Recommendations

We have four recommendations to unlock more water.

1. Make up to 387ML of groundwater available from unallocated water reserves in the fractured rock aquifer to meet agricultural demand.
2. Consider making up to 453ML of surface water available from unallocated water reserves in the Stanthorpe water management area if there is demand.
3. Consider future opportunities for flexible water markets when the next water plan is due (by 2029).
4. Provide better access to water for First Nations communities.

These recommendations align with Queensland commitments under the Commonwealth's Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Next steps

• Refine new water licences conditions and make formal decision to release unallocated water – Mid 2026
• Application and assessment process for new water licences – Mid 2026 onwards
• Issue new water licences - Late 2026 onwards
• Review demand and consider a further release of unallocated water in the Stanthorpe WMA – 2027 onwards

More information

• Read the summary of these findings (PDF, 674KB), including a map showing locations of known water demand and proposed water releases.
• Email waterhub@dlgwv.qld.gov.au for more information.
• Read more about unallocated water in the Border Rivers Fractured Rock general reserve.
• Read about the Border Rivers and Moonie water plan area.
• Read about the Regional Water Assessment Program.
• Understand the process for releasing unallocated water.
• Learn about water trading.
• Watch our video What is a water plan?