Reviewing the Whitsunday water plan

We are reviewing and replacing the Whitsunday water plan – with the plan’s expiry being extended until 30 September 2028 – to make sure the region’s long-term water needs can be best met and managed into the future.

The coastal basin of the Don, the northern area of the Proserpine basin and southern area of the O'Connell basin do not fall under a water plan. We think water in these areas would be better managed if they were included in the Whitsunday water plan area. It is also proposed to include the Bowen and Dryander underground water areas in the new plan area.

Water in the region is mostly taken to support agriculture, mining, tourism and aquaculture and supports growing communities and towns. Expanding existing industries and new or emerging industries in the region, will have impacts for water needs and use.

Public consultation

The first round of public consultation closed on 31 October 2025.

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

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.

Learn more about the 5 steps of the water plan review process.

Current status

The status of this review is step 1. We ask everyone for their ideas and suggestions through public consultation.

We will work with community groups and stakeholders and will provide opportunities for you to meet us to talk about the water plan review.

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 1 is highlighted to show that this is what we're doing now.)
    • Step 2 (2025–26): We review feedback and use technical assessments to develop the draft new water plan.
    • 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 (2028): We put the new water plan in place.

Future status

Step 2: We review feedback and use technical assessments to develop the draft new water plan in 2025 and 2026.

Step 3: We release the draft for second round of public consultation in 2027.

Step 4: We review feedback received in step 3 and finalise the new water plan in 2027-28.

Step 5: The new water plan will be in place in 2028.

Enquiries

Phone 1800 822 100 (toll free) during business hours.

Email NorthWPS@dlgwv.qld.gov.au

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