55,000ML Of Water Unlocked For FNQ Farmers

• Farmers in the Mitchell water plan area can now apply for a share in 55,000 ML of water being made available in the region.
• The additional water licences will support local agriculture and industries to grow.
• The release follows the Crisafulli Government's Unlocking Water Project review and recent expressions of interest to access more water.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering water security to support agriculture and industry growth for farmers in Mitchell, with 55,000 ML of water unlocked.

Applications are now open for water licences, which are being made available in response to the Crisafulli Government's Unlocking Water Project recommendations and recent demand to access unallocated water in the Mitchell water plan area.

Release of this additional water will enable farmers to expand operations, help drive local economic development and job creation for agriculture and other North Queensland industries.

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.

The Mitchell water plan was one of four pilot reviews that will ensure water resources are prioritised, supporting the needs of regional and rural Queensland and the unique economic and community requirement.

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the new licences would provide farmers in the Mitchell region with the confidence to grow their business' sustainably into the future.

"We know that water is the foundation of farming in our State and the Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering water that is accessible and affordable," Minister Leahy said.

"This release supports Queensland farmers and agribusinesses to expand, create more jobs and will deliver economic benefits to local communities.

"Unlike the previous Labor Government, we've listened to the farming community and water users to ensure what we're doing now is fit-for-purpose and will deliver strong long-term local outcomes."

Member for Cook David Kempton has confirmed the Mitchell River Water Plan review has now reached Stage Two, with additional water licences issued as part of early desktop assessments.

Mr Kempton said the first round of public consultation closed in September last year and helped inform the initial phase of the review.

"These additional water licences are the result of early desktop assessments and are separate from the final outcome of the Mitchell Water Plan review," Mr Kempton said.

"We are currently reviewing and replacing the existing Mitchell Water Plan, which is set to expire in November 2027, to ensure the region's long-term water needs are managed responsibly and sustainably into the future.

"Stage Two focuses on how water is currently managed in the Mitchell River, and the outcomes of this work have led to the issuing of these extra licences."