Mitchell water plan area
This information will help you understand how water is managed in the water plan area and how you can access water.
Map of the water plan area
Check whether your property is covered by the plan on the Queensland Globe water plan map (use Google Chrome for best results) or download the Mitchell water plan area map (PDF, 2.8MB).
What's happening?
- 23 May 2025: We are reviewing the Mitchell water plan to make sure the region’s long-term water needs can best be met and managed into the future. Read more and have your say during our first round of public consultation which closes on 30 September 2025.
- 23 May 2025: Do you need more water to grow your business? Express your interest in accessing unallocated water from the Mitchell general reserve before 31 July 2025.
- 5 December 2023: The 5-yearly Minister’s performance assessment report (PDF, 4.1MB) for the Mitchell water plan was released. The report confirms that the water plan and its implementation continue to sustainably manage water resources in the Mitchell catchment.
- October 2022: The Mitchell water plan expires on 1 November 2027.
Water management
Summary
| Type of water | Management |
|---|---|
| Surface water | Check the water plan information below for rules and requirements |
| Overland flow | Check the water plan information below for rules and requirements |
| Underground water | Check the Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional Aquifers water plan for underground water and spring water in the Great Artesian Basin and other important regional aquifers. Check the Mitchell water plan (below) for all other underground water |
Water plan information
- Water plan – to be read in conjunction with the Mitchell transitions from ROP to water plan (PDF, 493KB)
- Water management protocol (PDF, 2.9MB)
- Access historical documents and reports and previous water plans.
- Read the latest Minister’s performance assessment report (PDF, 4.1MB) or access previous reports for the plan.
Accessing water
Follow the links below for more information on how to access water in the water plan area.
| Announced entitlements and limits | The water you can take through your water entitlement may be limited by announced entitlements and limits |
|---|---|
| Unallocated water releases | Express your interest in accessing unallocated water from the Mitchell general reserve before 31 July 2025 |
Contact us
Contact the Mareeba business centre for more information on water management and how you can access water in the Mitchell water plan area.
Also consider...
- Explore the various ways we use science to develop, monitor, review and evaluate our water plans using our interactive storymap.
- Read Queensland's water plans in a variable and changing climate report to understand how water plans incorporate climate science and manage the risks of climate variability.
- Get streamflow and groundwater data from the Queensland Government Water monitoring information portal.
- Access maps and water data using Queensland Globe or the water entitlement viewer.
- Find out about river improvement trusts and their work.
- Read about water planning and learn where to find information in the new water planning documents.
- Read the Water planning science plan 2020–2030 to find out how we use science to develop water plans and improve water planning.