Joint media release: Building a secure water future for North Queenslanders

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Glenn Butcher, Queensland Minister for Water

The Albanese Labor Government is investing in critical projects as part of its commitment to make sure Queenslanders can benefit from safe, reliable and secure water in the future.

$5.5 million will be delivered to fund the Burdekin Regional Water Assessment in North Queensland.

This is part of the Federal Government’s $11.5 million commitment to partner with the Palaszczuk Labor Government to fund collaborative strategic planning work across Queensland.

The Regional Water Assessment will identify options to improve water security in these communities with projects prioritised by urgency, location, and scope of work required.

Communities have been left high and dry by poor planning and broken promises by the LNP. Risks to water security are escalating due to population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate change.

The Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments are committed to working together to deliver projects that stack up economically and environmentally. Both Governments also wants to leverage the benefits that water can provide to support future needs, including our renewable energy transformation.

The Federal and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to build a secure water future for all Queenslanders.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“Water is our most precious resource. While in recent years we have experienced extreme wet weather across much of the country, we know the next drought is just around the corner.

“Our Government is committed to delivering water projects that stack up economically, and deliver water efficiently to the places that need it. We’re investing more than $2 billion in water infrastructure projects, including almost $200 million in the recent Budget.

“This strategic planning work is critical to identify how we maximise water supply and drive economic growth in some of Queensland’s most productive food bowls.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher:

“The Regional Water Assessment will ensure future investments are made based on all the facts, thorough analysis and the best available science.

“With the Regional Water Assessment and the Burdekin Water Plan review occurring concurrently, we will deliver the most thorough and considered plan for investment in the Burdekin Basin’s history.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Townsville Scott Stewart:

“This Regional Water Assessment in the Burdekin will drive infrastructure for stable and secure water supply in the North.

“We have a proven record of investing in water security in this region including funding stages one and two of the Haughton Pipeline after the previous LNP Government walked away from their promise to the people of Townsville.”