research and planning

Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment

Project overview

This project will see the Australian Government provide funding towards the Queensland Government’s review of the Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment. The project will include Emu Swamp Dam and Pipeline in the review of options.

Emu Swamp Dam and Pipeline will be compared against alternative water security options for the Southern and Darling Downs region, including Stanthorpe.

This funding confirms the Australian Government's commitment to water security and responsible investment for the region.

Ord River Expansion to the Northern Territory preliminary business case

Project overview

The NT region the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) would support is currently used for cattle. However, a feasibility assessment completed in 2019 shows the region has potential to also produce irrigated agriculture should water be made available.

The preliminary business case investigated options to expand the ORIA across the NT-WA border to deliver water to the NT from Lake Argyle in WA.

Burdekin Regional Water Assessment

Project overview

The Burdekin Regional Water Assessment will carefully assess long term infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to meet the water resource needs of the Burdekin region in an effective and sustainable way.

The assessment will identify options to improve water security and capitalise on opportunities for growth across the Burdekin. Future projects will be prioritised by need, opportunity, location, and scope of work required. The assessment will look at a number of focus areas including: