Types of unallocated water
Following amendments to the Water Act 2000, we now allow temporary access to unallocated water held as strategic water infrastructure reserves under a temporary water licence for up to 3 years.
Unallocated water is reserved under water planning instruments – it can be made available for future use without compromising the security of existing users or the environmental values within a catchment.
For information on unallocated water in your area, contact your local water management office or email uaw@rdmw.qld.gov.au.
The types of unallocated water and the purposes they can be made available for include:
| Type of unallocated water | Purpose |
|---|---|
| General reserve | Any purpose |
| Strategic or state reserve | For projects that we consider to be of regional significance for the plan area or for coordinated projects under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 |
| Strategic reserve (Barron water plan) | For town water supply |
| Strategic infrastructure | To facilitate the development of particular water infrastructure projects (e.g. new dams) in the relevant water plan area |
| Indigenous reserve | For projects that advance the social and economic aspirations of Indigenous people |
| Indigenous reserve (Barron water plan) | For any purpose to an eligible person in the Barron water plan area |
| Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area (CYPHA) reserve | For any purpose to eligible persons in the Cape York water plan area |
- Last reviewed: 1 Jul 2022
- Last updated: 27 Apr 2021