Preliminary public consultation notice – Replacement of the Water Plan (Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional Aquifers) 2017 – s44 of the Water Act 2000

1. Proposal to replace the Water Plan (Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional Aquifers) 2017

Notice is given under section 44 of the Water Act 2000 that the Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers proposes to replace the Water Plan (Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional Aquifers) 2017 (the water plan).

2. Water to which the water plan will apply

It is proposed that the replacement water plan will continue to apply to the following water in or from the groundwater units in the water plan area:

  • underground water
  • water in springs.

The water plan area is shown in the Great Artesian Basin and other regional aquifers (GABORA) water area map (PDF, 235KB).

3. Reason for preparing the replacement water plan

The water plan is due to expire on 1 September 2027. Assessments indicate the implementation of the plan has been effective in achieving most of the plan's outcomes and advancing the sustainable management of water resources in the plan area. Water use, authorisation, non-compliance and risks to the current water plan are considered in the latest Minister’s performance assessment report on the GABORA water plan (PDF, 4.8MB). To ensure the plan can continue to advance the sustainable management of water resources in the water plan area, the following matters need to be considered:

  • any future water requirements for anticipated population growth in the plan area
  • emergent water security needs for the plan area
  • effectiveness of water plan outcomes and strategies
  • current and emerging social, cultural and economic interests of local communities
  • incorporating best available science, on water availability and environmental water needs
  • future water supply requirements to achieve regional water security and economic development
  • unallocated water reserves, including assessing demand for additional water supplies
  • effectiveness of water sharing and water trading rules
  • effectiveness of rules to protect the flow of water to groundwater dependent ecosystems and existing authorisations
  • effectiveness of arrangements requiring bores to have watertight delivery systems or be controlled
  • where necessary the amendment of water licences to state a volumetric limit
  • requirements under the Human Rights Act 2019.

The review will be conducted consistent with the requirements of the Act with a particular focus on the Queensland Government’s election commitment to enhance water security for Queensland communities, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience in water supply. The review will also be a part of the delivery of the commitment to review each of the 23 Queensland regional water plans in the next 4 years to determine if unallocated water can be provided to boost agricultural productivity.

To address these matters, I propose to prepare a replacement water plan. It is also proposed that key documents which implement the water plan, including a Water Management Protocol and Water Entitlement Notice will be developed, or amended as necessary during the water plan replacement process.

4. Proposed arrangements for consultation

Submissions are now being sought. I encourage anyone with an interest in the water plan to consider putting forward their thoughts on water management in the water plan area through a submission.

Submissions received and engagement with key stakeholders including water users, community (including Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders) and other interest groups will inform the development of the draft replacement water plan.

There will be further opportunity for consultation through a public submissions process and meetings with key stakeholders following the release of the draft replacement water plan.

5. Enquiries and submission process

To make a submission on the GABORA water plan review and replacement, please contact the department:

  • email GABORAWaterPlan@rdmw.qld.gov.au
  • phone (07) 4529 1310 (during business hours)
  • post to
    Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
    South Region, Water Planning 
    Attention: Manager Water Planning (MDB & GAB)
    PO Box 12898
    275 George Street
    BRISBANE  QLD  4003

Preliminary consultation submissions will close on 30 August 2025.

This notice is dated 21 May 2025.

The Hon. Ann Leahy MP
Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers

Hamish Butler
Executive Director South Region (as the Chief Executive's delegate)