Completed feasibility studies
The Australian Government has invested close to $52 million through the National Water Grid Fund (NWGF) in more than 40 feasibility studies. These historical projects were administered through Project Agreement for the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund – Feasibility Studies Component (2016-2019).
These studies helped determine if a proposed water infrastructure project:
- needed further investigation and planning, through business case development and planning approvals
- should receive funding for construction.
The below table provides information on these historical projects.
Information about current business case projects funded through the NWGF are available on our project webpages.
Completed feasibility studies table of information
| Project name | Completion date | Project description | Australian Government contribution | State/other | Total project cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barmah-Millewa (formerly Barmah Choke) Feasibility Study | December 2022 | This study was led by the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) Authority. The study investigated and consulted on, a shortlist of options to maintain and restore the capacity to transfer water from above to downstream of the Barmah-Millewa. The MDB Ministerial Council agreed to provide $2.35 million to further develop and implement solutions. | $3,000,000 | $0 | $3,000,000 |
| Border Rivers Infrastructure Investment Feasibility Study | April 2019 | This study, undertaken by WaterNSW, investigated the feasibility of a new dam on the Mole River. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF to develop the Mole River Dam Business Case, completed in October 2021. | $530,000 | $0 | $530,000 |
| Cobar and Nyngan Water Supply Feasibility Study | April 2018 |
This study, undertaken by the Bogan Shire Council, assessed the feasibility of a pipeline from Gunningbar Creek to Nyngan and Cobar. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF to develop the Nyngan to Cobar Pipeline Detailed Business Case. This identified a preferred option, that led to additional funding to construct the Nyngan to Cobar Pipeline – Stage 1 – Pump Station Replacement. |
$850,000 | $0 | $850,000 |
| Peel Water Infrastructure Investment Feasibility Study | April 2018 |
Undertaken by WaterNSW, this study investigated the feasibility of the proposed Dungowan Dam. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF for the development of the New Dungowan Dam Detailed Business Case. Construction of the new Dungowan Dam did not proceed, however funding was provided towards the construction of 21 kilometres of new pipeline from the Calala Water Treatment Plant to the Dungowan Showground. This helped to establish a reliable connection from the Chaffey Dam pipeline to Tamworth’s town water supply. |
$782,892 | $0 | $782,892 |
| Walcha Water Security Feasibility Study | April 2018 | Following the completion of this study, undertaken by Walcha Council, a project to construct a 300 megalitre off-stream storage dam was funded. Funding was provided through the NWGF as part of the New South Wales Connections Package of projects. | $100,000 | $0 | $100,000 |
| Project name | Completion date | Project description | Australian Government contribution | State/other | Total project cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Job Growth to the West of Melbourne Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study assessed the feasibility for an alternative water grid in the Parwan-Balliang region. It led to the development of a business case. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF for construction of the Western Irrigation Network. This network would connect the existing Sunbury, Melton and Bacchus Marsh water treatment plants to a new irrigation district in the Parwan-Balliang region. |
$540,000 |
$0 |
$540,000 |
| Coldstream Recycled-Water Pipeline (CROPS) Feasibility Study |
April 2017 |
This study investigated the feasibility of building a pipeline to improve water access for agricultural irrigation in the Yarra Valley. |
$300,000 |
$0 |
$300,000 |
| Dilwyn Aquifer Infrastructure Feasibility Study |
April 2017 |
This study assessed the feasibility of infrastructure options and ownership models for bores to access water from the deep Dilwyn aquifer. It aimed to identify solutions to increase regional agricultural productivity in south west Victoria. |
$100,000 |
$0 |
$100,000 |
| Hinterland Recycled Water Feasibility Study |
June 2022 |
This study assessed the feasibility of the proposed reuse of water for farmers in the Mornington Hinterland area. |
$300,000 |
$385,000 |
$685,000 |
| Lindenow Valley Water Security Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study assessed the feasibility of 3 water storage options to improve water security and expand the volume of water supplies for food production in the Lindenow Valley. It led to a business case on the preferred option. The Australian Government, not through the NWGF, subsequently committed $10 million to the Lindenow Valley Water Security Scheme project. |
$550,000 |
$0 |
$550,000 |
| Macalister Irrigation District MID2030 Phase 2 Development Feasibility Study |
December 2018 |
This study assessed the feasibility of key infrastructure augmentation opportunities. It aimed to optimise regional development and improve water availability. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF to the Macalister Irrigation District – Stage 2 construction project. This project replaced open channels with pipeline and transformed ageing assets into a modern, automated and efficient water delivery system. |
$675,000 |
$0 |
$675,000 |
| Mitiamo Reticulated Water Supply Feasibility Study |
November 2017 |
This study assessed the feasibility of a new pressurised pipeline which would supply secure stock and domestic water in the Mitiamo region. The NWGF subsequently funded the Mitiamo and District Reticulated Water Supply Project. This saw the construction of a new pressurised pipeline to supply secure stock and domestic water in the Mitiamo region. Water service delivery and reliability improved for 170 rural properties. |
$750,000 |
$0 |
$750,000 |
| Moonambel Water Supply Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study, led by the Pyrenees Shire Council and Central Highlands Water, undertook technical and economic assessments for a water supply pipeline connection to the Moonambel region. It focused on urban water supply. |
$180,000 |
$0 |
$180,000 |
| South East Melbourne Regional Water Plan Feasibility Study |
April 2017 |
This study assessed the feasibility of a cross-jurisdiction regional water plan for south east Melbourne. With the aim of supporting high value horticulture to enhance regional economic benefit through associated employment and investment. |
$91,500 |
$0 |
$91,500 |
| Southern Victorian Irrigation Development Pre-Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study assessed potential new irrigation developments and priority opportunities in the Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister catchments. |
$680,000 |
$0 |
$680,000 |
| Project name | Completion date | Project description | Australian Government contribution | State/other | Total project cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundaberg Channel Capacity Upgrade Feasibility Study |
July 2018 |
This study, undertaken by Sunwater, focused on identifying options for the expansion of irrigated agriculture in the Wide Bay Burnett region. This included soil suitability and water supply configurations, and the cost and economic viability of these options. |
$750,000 |
$0 |
$750,000 |
| Burdekin Falls Dam Raising Feasibility Study |
June 2018 |
This study, undertaken by the Queensland Government, assessed the potential costs, demand for water and environmental impacts of raising the Burdekin Falls Dam to improve regional water accessibility. |
$400,000 |
$0 |
$400,000 |
| Burdekin Haughton Channel Capacity Upgrade Feasibility Study. |
July 2018 |
This study, undertaken by SunWater, investigated the channel capacity limitations and feasibility options for augmenting the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme to facilitate the use of available water allocations. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF to the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme Modernisation Detailed Business Case. |
$1,915,000 |
$0 |
$1,915,000 |
| Clermont Water Security Feasibility Study |
February 2018 |
This study, undertaken by Isaac Regional Council, assessed the feasibility of securing reliable long-term water supply for Clermont. |
$225,000 |
$0 |
$225,000 |
| Emu Swamp Dam Feasibility Study |
February 2019 |
This study, undertaken by the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce, investigated the feasibility of the proposed Emu Swamp Dam to augment water supplies to Stanthorpe and agricultural water users. It resulted in the delivery of a detailed business case that combined Emu Swamp Dam and associated water distribution scheme, referred to as the Granite Belt Irrigation Project. The Emu Swamp Dam Environment Impact Statement project was subsequently funded through the NWGF. The Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment, also funded through the NWGF, includes an assessment of the Granite Belt’s future water needs and the merits of any alternative options. |
$3,970,000 |
$0 |
$3,970,000 |
| Gayndah Regional Irrigation Development (GRID) Feasibility Study |
January 2019 |
This study, undertaken by Isis Central Sugar Mill, investigated the feasibility of developing water resources through reinstating the crest level of Claude Wharton Weir. This included utilising existing water reserves and transferring un-utilised water allocations to service priority irrigation areas in the Reids Creek and Byrnestown/Wetherton areas. |
$1,231,024 |
$0 |
$1,231,024 |
| Hells Gates Dam Feasibility Study |
November 2018 |
This study, undertaken by Townsville Enterprise Limited, undertook a cost benefit analysis to assess the economic viability of the Hells Gate Dam. This analysis included assessing potential agricultural and urban water demand requirements. Subsequently, the Australian Government, through the NWGF, committed funding to develop the Hells Gates Dam and Big Rocks Weir Business Case Project. |
$2,200,000 |
$0 |
$2,200,000 |
| Lakeland Irrigation Area Feasibility Study |
April 2019 |
This study, undertaken by Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait, assessed the water resource and supply options in the Lakeland Irrigation Area. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF to deliver the Lakeland Irrigation Area Business Case and Approvals Project, completed in August 2023. |
$577,500 |
$0 |
$577,500 |
| Lockyer Valley Aquifer Recharge Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study, undertaken by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, investigated options for alternative secure water supplies and innovative water delivery mechanisms to agricultural users in the Lockyer Creek catchment. |
$120,000 |
$0 |
$120,000 |
| North and South Burnett Regions Feasibility Study |
September 2022 |
This project, undertaken by the North Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council, examined a range of options to increase water supply and security in the north and south Burnett region of Queensland. This included an assessment of the feasibility of the Coalstoun Lakes Irrigation Pipeline. |
$3,500,000 |
$0 |
$3,500,000 |
| North West Queensland Strategic Water Storage Feasibility Study |
September 2018 |
This study, undertaken by the Mount Isa Townsville Economic Zone, examined a range of water supply and security options to support the expansion of irrigated agriculture in the Mount Isa-Cloncurry region. This included the proposed Cloncurry River Dam. The project delivered a preliminary and detailed business case. |
$1,765,000 |
$0 |
$1,765,000 |
| Nullinga Dam Feasibility Study |
June 2019 |
This study, undertaken by Buildings Queensland for the Queensland Government, assessed the economic feasibility of the proposed Nullinga Dam on the Walsh River. It also assessed other potential options to service the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area. The project delivered a preliminary and detailed business case. |
$5,000,000 |
$0 |
$5,000,000 |
| South East Queensland Treated Effluent for Agricultural Production – Feasibility Study |
July 2018 |
This study, undertaken by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, examined options to test the viability of using recycled water from the south east Queensland Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme for agriculture in the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley. |
$650,000 |
$0 |
$650,000 |
| Tablelands Irrigation project Feasibility Study |
February 2019 |
This study, undertaken by the Tablelands Regional Council, assessed the feasibility of the Southern Atherton Tablelands Irrigation Scheme and delivered a preliminary business case. |
$750,000 |
$0 |
$750,000 |
| Upper Burdekin Irrigation Scheme Feasibility Study |
February 2022 |
This study, undertaken by the North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority, examined options for supplying water to a proposed irrigation area of approximately 50,000 hectares in the Webb Lake region, south of Charters Towers. |
$3,000,000 |
$0 |
$3,000,000 |
| Urannah Dam Feasibility Study |
June 2019 |
This study, undertaken by Bowen Collinsville Enterprise, investigated the proposed Urannah Dam on the Broken River to support mining, agriculture, urban and tourism growth. Funding was subsequently committed through the NWGF to complete the Urannah Dam Detailed Business Case and Approvals project. |
$3,000,000 |
$0 |
$3,000,000 |
| Project name | Completion date | Project description | Australian Government contribution | State/other | Total project cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myalup-Wellington Infrastructure and Water Use Improvement Project Feasibility Study |
May 2017 |
This study, undertaken by Collie Water and the Western Australian Government, investigated the feasibility of above the dam and below the dam solutions to increase the utilisation of Wellington Dam water. The Australian Government subsequently committed funding through the NWGF to a science project investigating the managed aquifer recharge (MAR) pilot in Myalup and to the Wellington for Agriculture Detailed Business Case. |
$1,000,000 |
$0 |
$1,000,000 |
| Oakover Valley Irrigation Precinct Prefeasibility Study |
June 2017 |
This study investigated the potential for developing an irrigation precinct in the Oakover Valley using available groundwater sources. |
$268,994 |
$0 |
$268,994 |
| Ord Siphon Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study, undertaken by the Ord Irrigation Cooperative, assessed the feasibility of new distribution channels and a siphon to service irrigated agriculture on the Ord West Bank. |
$162,000 |
$0 |
$162,000 |
| Ord Stage 3 Feasibility Study |
April 2019 |
This study, undertaken by Water Corporation, assessed the feasibility of the concept design to increase and optimise the storage and supply of water from Lake Argyle. The report included geotechnical investigations, engineering design and preliminary approval work, for potential future projects. This study was funded in tandem with the Northern Territory (NT) Government to assess the feasibility of expanding the Ord River irrigation area to the NT. |
$2,500,000 |
$0 |
$2,500,000 |
| Peel Business Park Managed Aquifer Recharge Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study assessed the feasibility of using stormwater from a managed aquifer recharge to supply water in the Peel Business Park development. |
$702,000 |
$0 |
$702,000 |
| Pilbara Irrigated Agriculture Feasibility Study |
April 2018 |
This study assessed the feasibility of developing mosaic irrigated agriculture adjacent to the alluvial rivers in the Pilbara Region. The methods investigated included using managed aquifer recharge and conjunctive water use. |
$960,000 |
$0 |
$960,000 |
| Western Trade Coast Managed Aquifer Recharge Feasibility Study |
October 2018 |
This study assessed the feasibility of using treated wastewater through managed aquifer recharge to supply water for industries within the Western Trade Coast precinct. |
$693,000 |
$0 |
$693,000 |
| Project name | Completion date | Project description | Australian Government contribution | State/other | Total project cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) Feasibility Study |
April 2017 |
This study assessed options and design for augmenting the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant. This was aimed at increasing its capacity and adding a new distribution network to provide treated water for a new irrigation area north of the Gawler River. It led to the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) Business Case and the Australian Government subsequently committed funding through the NWGF towards the construction of the NAIS. |
$2,500,000 |
$0 |
$2,500,000 |
| Northern Reservoirs Feasibility Study |
September 2017 |
This study assessed the feasibility of activating unused water from existing reservoirs at Baroota, Beetaloo and Bundalee. It explored the potential to use this for high value irrigated agriculture in the vicinity of the Upper Spencer Gulf and Mid North by upgrading reservoir infrastructure and constructing a new distribution network. |
$1,200,000 |
$0 |
$1,200,000 |
| Project name | Completion date | Project description | Australian Government contribution | State/other | Total project cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Territory Irrigation Feasibility Study |
May 2018 |
This study assessed the feasibility of groundwater only, managed aquifer recharge and conjunctive water use approaches to increase water availability and security for irrigated agriculture. It focused on select sites in the Northern Territory. |
$985,000 |
$0 |
$985,000 |
| Ord Stage 3 Feasibility Study |
November 2019 |
This study assessed the feasibility of the Keep River Plains region for development for irrigated agriculture. |
$2,500,000 |
$0 |
$2,500,000 |