- The Crisafulli Government's 2026-27 State Budget has delivered $5 million to progress the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme.
- The scheme aims to secure an additional 22,000 megalitres of irrigated water for agriculture in the region.
- The investment supports the Crisafulli Government's broader efforts to enhance water and food security in South East Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering water security for Lockyer Valley and Somerset farmers, with $5 million included in the 2026-27 State Budget to advance the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme.
The former Labor Government failed to progress long-term water solutions for key agricultural regions, leaving farmers without the certainty they need to plan for the future.
The Crisafulli Government is turning this around by investing in practical water security solutions that support our farmers, strengthens food production and drives regional economies.
This funding will reduce delivery risks and strengthen investment confidence through detailed design, refine cost estimates, site investigations, approvals, and customer engagement.
The scheme aims to deliver an additional sustainable and reliable water supply for agriculture in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset area, securing a further 22,000 megalitres of water through the use of recycled water from the Western Corridor Water Supply Scheme.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was committed to ensuring long-term water security to support the region's agricultural industries.
"The Lockyer Valley and Somerset region is the heart of SEQ's 'salad and vegetable bowl', producing about 30 percent of Queensland's fresh produce," Minister Leahy said.
"For too long under the former Labor Government, key water security projects were not progressed, leaving farmers without the certainty they need to plan for the future.
"This $5 million Budget investment is a vital step towards increasing water supply for local growers by 50 per cent, providing greater certainty for farmers and supporting regional growth.
"We're taking action to ensure this region remains a strong contributor to Queensland's economy and food supply chain, while working towards our goal of growing our State's primary production to $30 billion by 2030."
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the investment would directly support primary producers by improving long-term water reliability for irrigated agriculture in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset.
"This investment is about giving growers dependable access to water so they can lift productivity, expand production and make confident decisions for their farms," Minister Perrett said.
"It strengthens the foundation of our primary industries by improving water reliability where it matters most, on-farm and at the point of production."
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the investment would help secure water for the region's agricultural future.
"This funding is an important step towards delivering a more reliable water supply for farmers across the Lockyer Valley and Somerset, giving them greater confidence to plan and invest," the Attorney-General said.
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald said the project would support local growers and food production.
"This investment will help strengthen water security for our region, supporting local farmers to continue producing high-quality food for Queensland families," Mr McDonald said.
The Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan and Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt welcomed funding for the region's "most critical infrastructure project'' in decades.
The Mayors said the new funding would provide the Queensland Government with a construction ready project by 2028.
"This is a real demonstration of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to the regions and to the farming sector across the State. A big thanks to the Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald for his ongoing support and advocacy for our project,'' Mayor Milligan said.
"This project will provide our region with real water security for the first time. It's a gamechanger for our growers, local business, industry and the community,'' Mayor Wendt said.
