- The Crisafulli Government is delivering water security for regional and rural Queensland.
- 90,000ML of water per year is available to support agriculture production in the region under a new temporary release.
- Water was made available through the Dawson Valley Strategic Water Infrastructure Reserve release.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering water security for Dawson Valley farmers, by offering an additional 90,000ML (megalitres) of water per year to support agricultural production in the region.
A total of 13 three-year water licences were granted through 2025 Dawson Valley Strategic Water Infrastructure Reserve release, providing certainty for local irrigators and their businesses into the future.
These temporary water licences allow access up to 70,000ML of water each year.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future to ensure vital supply chains and regional communities have adequate water to thrive.
Through the Watertight Water Security Plan, the Crisafulli Government is also delivering on a key election commitment to review Queensland's 23 water plans to release water to boost agriculture productivity and reduce costs for families.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said that the Crisafulli Government was continuing to deliver on its commitment to unlock more water for farmers, industries and communities.
"Another 270,000 megalitres of water is available to support Dawson Valley agricultural businesses over the next three years thanks to this release," Minister Leahy said.
"That means more locally grown products, more profitable businesses, a stronger local economy and a better supported farming sector.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring effective and efficient water use across the state – reducing barriers and streamlining processes to support simpler, faster access to water through processes like this are helping to do exactly that."
Member for Callide Bryson Head said this shows the Crisafulli Government backed Queensland's local irrigators.
"I know just how important water security is for the hardworking farmers of the Dawson Valley," Mr Head said.
"This release gives our producers the confidence to plan ahead for the next three years, invest in their businesses, and continue delivering the high-quality produce our region is known for.
"Importantly, this supports many local jobs across Moura and the broader region."
President of the Dawson Valley Cotton Growers' Association, Andrew French, said the additional water would support ongoing economic growth in the region.
"Crops don't grow without water. So it's great to see the government continuing to support farmers with more water releases that will help increase local agricultural production.
"The bottom line is that what's good for the grower is good for the local economy. That economic benefit is exactly what this latest release of water will help deliver for the valley region over the next few years," Mr French said.
