- Applications now open for a share in 2,360 ML of unallocated water in the Mary Basin water plan area.
- The additional water will support agriculture and local industries to expand, diversify and grow.
- 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 unlocking underutilised water across the State after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for farmers and industry in the Mary Basin by unlocking 2,360 megalitres (ML) of unallocated water to help local agribusiness grow and strengthen the region's economy.
The Crisafulli Government is unlocking underutilised water across Queensland through our Watertight Water Security Plan, delivering exactly what we promised before the election.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future after years of inaction under Labor.
During the former Labor Government's decade of decline, water that should have been supporting regional growth was tied up and left unused, holding back farmers and industry across the region.
Applications are now open in response to the Crisafulli Government's Unlocking Water Project recommendations and continued demand to access unallocated water in the Mary Basin water plan area.
The release includes water available across multiple catchments, including:
- 2,160 ML for the Mary River catchment
- 100 ML for the Burrum River catchment
- 100 ML for the Coastal River catchments, including the Mooloolah River, Maroochy River, Noosa River, and coastal streams north of the Noosa River.
This release will help drive local economic growth and create jobs in agriculture and other industries, helping farmers and businesses expand, diversify and pursue new opportunities.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the unlocked water would create new opportunities for farmers, industries and communities across the Mary Basin.
"The Crisafulli Government remains committed to improving access to water to support regional growth, while ensuring it is managed sustainably," Minister Leahy said.
"By making more than 900 Olympic swimming pools of water available, we're giving local agribusinesses in the Mary Basin the confidence to invest and expand within the region."
Minister for Primary Industries and Member for Gympie Tony Perrett said unlocking water in the Mary Basin was critical to supporting farmers and industries across the region.
"Water security is the foundation of agriculture, and unlocking 2,160 megalitres in the Mary River Catchment gives local growers and businesses the certainty they need to invest, expand and plan for the future," Minister Perrett said.
"For too long, water was tied up in red tape instead of supporting regional jobs and productivity, and this release shows the Crisafulli Government is backing our primary producers with real action."
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the water release would deliver real opportunities for local communities and industry across the Mary Basin.
"Unlocking more water means new opportunities for farmers, stronger local industries and greater confidence for communities right across the Maryborough region," Mr Barounis said.
Applications for unallocated water can be made before 5pm Monday, 13 July 2026.
