Reviewing the Mitchell water plan

We are reviewing and replacing the current Mitchell water plan – set to expire in November 2027 – to make sure the region's long-term water needs can be best met and managed into the future.

Water in the Mitchell is mostly taken to support small-scale irrigation and small mines that access critical minerals. It also supports small communities and towns, recreational and commercial fisheries, and a growing tourism industry.

Public consultation

The first round of public consultation closed on 30 September 2025.

We asked people to review the current Mitchell water plan and read through the key topics we are considering for this review:

  1. About the Mitchell water plan
  2. How we manage water in the Mitchell water plan area
  3. Updating the science
  4. Climate resilience
  5. First Nations and water
  6. Improving outcomes
  7. Identifying unallocated water
  8. Growing water needs
  9. Water trading.

Infrastructure

The scope of this review is limited to the management and allocation of water. Any issues or comments relating to the assessment or approval of infrastructure proposals should be referred to the Office of the Coordinator-General.

Timeline

From when we start a review to when the new plan is formally adopted takes several years. There are five steps in our consultation timeline.

Current status

The status of this review is step 2. We will now review feedback and be further informed by a range of technical assessments to develop the new draft water plan.

Water plan review consultation timeline - refer to transcript for text within the graphic

  • Consultation timeline

    From when we start a review to when the new water plan is formally adopted takes several years.

    Step 1 (2025): We ask everyone for their ideas and suggestions through public consultation.

    Step 2 (2025–26): We review feedback and use technical assessments to develop the draft new water plan. (Step 2 is highlighted to show that this is what we're doing now.)

    Step 3 (2026): We release the draft for second round of public consultation.

    Step 4 (2027): We review and finalise the new water plan.

    Step 5 (2027): We put the new water plan in place.

What’s next

Step 3: After ministers approval we will release the draft water plan for second round of public consultation anticipated in 2026.

Step 4: We’ll review feedback received in step 3 and finalise the replacement water plan anticipated in 2027.

Step 5: The new water plan will be in place after appropriate approvals which is anticipated in 2027.

Enquiries

Also consider...