Reviewing the Moreton water plan

The process to review and replace the current Moreton water plan is underway. We need to develop a replacement water plan that addresses current and emerging issues within the water plan area (PDF, 1MB).

About the Moreton water plan area

The Moreton water plan area covers more than 15,000km2 and encompasses the largest urban area within Queensland.

The plan area includes the catchments of the Brisbane, Pine and Caboolture Rivers as well as Cabbage Tree and Pumicestone Creeks.

It features several large water storages including Somerset, Wivenhoe and North Pine dams. There are 7 water supply schemes that supply water for irrigation and urban and industrial purposes.

The Moreton water plan currently manages water in a watercourse, lake or spring, overland flow water, and groundwater in 3 groundwater management areas.

Public consultation

Submissions on the preliminary public consultation notice closed on 2 February 2024.

We will consider all submissions as we develop the replacement Moreton water plan.

There will be further opportunities for local stakeholders and the community to have their say on the development of the replacement water plan.

Engagement with stakeholders

Early and ongoing engagement is a critical component in the review and development of a replacement water plan. We are engaging with people to help the community understand the water plan development process, discuss issues and opportunities, and ultimately improve the plan itself.

Engagement provides the opportunity to draw on people’s collective knowledge, and to build collaborative support and involvement in the water planning process.

We are using a targeted engagement strategy during development of the replacement water plan. This includes engagement with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders which is crucial to improved understanding of current and emerging cultural water needs in the plan area.

Our engagement strategy aims to:

  • enable more detailed, focused and efficient discussion of matters that were identified during consultation with relevant stakeholder groups
  • provide a safe and constructive environment for collaborative stakeholder involvement.

A variety of engagement activities and communication tools will be used during the development of the replacement water plan, for example:

  • individual meetings with stakeholder groups and communities
  • on country meetings with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • meetings during the draft water plan public consultation and submission phase
  • presentations at peak industry water engagement forums
  • website and social media communication
  • publication of technical and research reports and supporting information.

Video: What is a water plan?

YouTube video explaining water plans

  • Water is important to the lives and livelihoods of all Queenslanders. Whether you're in Cape York, the southeast or the Outback we all use water.

    To make sure water is shared between all water users the Queensland government works with various groups including the community to plan how water should be used and shared. These water plans take into account the needs of different water users, environmental considerations and the cultural value of water.

    There are 22 water plan areas in Queensland, based on water catchments, rather than local government boundaries or regions. These catchments are regions that collect surface water and rain into a body of water such as a stream, river, lake or reservoir.

    A 23rd water plan manages the great Artesian Basin, an underground water system which overlaps with many of the other water plan regions.

    Water plans are based on the best available science and are tailored to the specific conditions of each region including climate, rainfall patterns, water availability and supply systems. We use the information we gather to adapt and review our plans over time.

    Water plans manage the water sources specific to each plan area. This includes water bodies, overland flow, as well as water stored underground, also known as groundwater. Water plans take into account water sources, water uses, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural value of water and the environment.

    By working together, we can ensure water is sustainably managed between water users and the environment for the future benefit of all Queenslanders.

Enquiries

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