Unlocking water in the Gulf water plan area

We have analysed the Gulf water plan to find ways to improve access to water and help local industries grow.

We assessed these types of information:

• water demand gathered from
  • direct feedback from water users and stakeholders
  • the draft Gulf regional water assessment (prepared by the department for Queensland Government consideration)
  • unallocated water expressions of interest (EOI)
  • Sunwater Strategic Assessment of Critical Mineral water delivery options (PDF, 876KB)
• unallocated water reserves
• existing water entitlements.

Recommendations

While the Gulf water plan is under review to be replaced, we have two recommendations for the new water plan to unlock more water.

1. Reduce red tape and improve water availability through the Gulf water plan review
2. Release unallocated water after completion of the Gulf water plan review and Regional Water Assessment

Timeline

• Public consultation on draft new water plan – mid-2026
• Completion of Gulf Regional Water Assessment – late 2026
• New water plan in place – 2027/28
• Review demand and start process to release unallocated water – 2028 onwards.

More information

• Read the summary of these findings (PDF, 983KB), including a map showing locations of known water demand and proposed water releases.
• Contact us for more information.
• Read about the Gulf 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?