- The Crisafulli Government delivering on key election commitment to unlock more water in the regions.
- Applications open for a share in 26,800ML of water in the Whitsunday water plan area.
- The additional water licences will support local agriculture and industries to grow, with applications closing 5:00pm on 29 May 2026.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment by unlocking 26,800 megalitres of water to grow farming and industries in the Whitsunday region.
That's the equivalent of more than 10,000 Olympic swimming pools of water being made available for our regions.
Applications are now open for water licences in the Whitsunday water plan area, releasing unallocated water to meet growing demand and support farmers and industry to expand, diversify and back new enterprises.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future, backing regional communities and unlocking more water for agriculture businesses after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Unlocking Water project was a key election commitment from the Crisafulli Government, focused on analysing all of Queensland's 23 water plans to identify unused water and match it with known demands for water.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said that more water for Whitsunday agriculture and businesses would help drive local economic development and job creation.
"We're making more water available to help local agriculture businesses grow, and that means more local employment opportunities on farms and a stronger regional economy," Minister Leahy said.
"The Crisafulli Government is focused on unlocking water where it is needed and ensuring it is affordable to the user. This release will support that, delivering on local needs to provide sustainable, long-term benefits for the broader community."
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said unlocking more than 26,000 megalitres of water was a game changer for the Whitsundays.
"The equivalent of more than 10,000 Olympic swimming pools of water is now being made available to our region. That means greater accessibility that will deliver productivity and real yield to the agricultural sector," Minister Camm said.
"We're delivering on our commitment to regional Queensland and ensuring communities like ours have the resources they need to thrive for decades to come."
Manager of Canegrowers Proserpine Brendon Nothard said that this outcome represented an important step forward for irrigated agriculture in the region.
"After many years, local growers are grateful to finally have access to unallocated water under the Whitsunday Water Plan," Mr Nothard said.
"We thank the Crisafulli Government and Minister Leahy for their support of our local grower community and for recognising the critical role water security plays in sustaining agricultural production.
"Access to additional irrigation water will translate directly into improved crop performance and increased value for benefiting growers, while strengthening the broader industry.
At a time of low sugar prices, this release will provide meaningful support to growers who benefit from the allocation, helping them maintain production levels, particularly during periods of low rainfall."
Applications for licences can be made until 5 pm on 29 May 2026.
To apply, visit the Business Queensland website: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/unallocated-water/apply/whitsunday
