Water security assessments for regional urban areas
The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) works with councils and water providers to make sure there is enough water for growing regional communities.
Population growth, drought and ageing infrastructure mean water planning is more important than ever. Some local governments have asked for support to assess the reliability of their water supplies and plan for the future.
Urban water security assessment program
The urban water security assessment program is a partnership between the DLGWV and local councils.
It provides a shared understanding of:
- how reliable each community's water sources are now
- how well they can meet future population growth and needs
- risks such as drought, climate change and water quality problems.
Hydrologic/simulation modelling is used to assess how well a water supply system works and how reliable it is.
Local governments and service providers are responsible for deciding what should be done and implementing actions to manage water supply risks and provide an appropriate level of water security for their communities.
Tools for councils and service providers
The Community water security guideline for assessments (PDF, 1.9MB) assists service providers to undertake their own water security assessment using similar methodologies and tools to those used for urban water security assessments, without needing hydrologic modelling.
Urban water security assessments
The map below shows completed water security assessments and assessments in progress.
Find an urban water security assessment using our search
| Location | Link | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Atherton | Atherton regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.6MB) | The Atherton Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in January 2020 and found the following: Atherton, Kairi, Tinaroo, Tolga, and Rangeview rely on surface water from the Upper Barron River and Scrubby Creek, as well as groundwater from bores in the Atherton Groundwater Management Area. Current water entitlements are expected to meet demand until at least 2041. However, Council will need appropriate infrastructure in place to adequately access and treat their full entitlement volumes. Without infrastructure improvements, challenges such as population growth, hotter and drier conditions, and increased groundwater use could put the water supply at risk. Since publication of the Atherton RWSSA, Tablelands Regional Council has developed their Water Supply Strategy 2020'69 and has been undertaking various projects to improve water quality and infrastructure across the region. These projects aim to provide better access to water, improve treatment processes, and provide more reliable supply options for the communities. |
| Biggenden | Biggenden urban water security assessment (PDF, 1.9MB) | The Biggenden Urban Water Security Assessment (UWSA) was published in September 2021 and found the following: Biggenden's water supply comes from two shallow groundwater bores near the town. These are expected to meet demand until at least 2041 but can be affected by drought and changing climate conditions. Since groundwater use in the area is not regulated by entitlements, there is a risk that other users could reduce the reliability of Council's water supply. While the current bores meet the town's needs, supply risks could increase due to sustained population growth, higher demand from other users, or prolonged hot and dry conditions caused by climate variability or climate change. With a small population of just over 700 people, carting water may be a practical contingency (backup) option if needed. Since publication of the Biggenden UWSA, North Burnett Regional Council has upgraded Biggenden's water treatment plant and constructed a new raw water reservoir to improve water quality and security for the community. |
| Bundaberg | Bundaberg regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 3.7MB) | The Bundaberg Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in February 2016 and found the following: Bundaberg's water supply relies on surface water from the Burnett River and is supported with groundwater from the Coastal Burnett Groundwater Management Area. This surface water is part of the Bundaberg Water Supply Scheme, which is supported by Paradise Dam and Fred Haig Dam. The Council's current water allocations are expected to meet projected demand with a high level of reliability until at least 2036. Since publication of the Bundaberg RWSSA, the storage capacity of Paradise Dam was reduced in late 2019 due to dam safety concerns. As of November 2025, early works and planning are underway for the construction of a new dam wall to restore Paradise Dam to its original full supply capacity. |
| Cairns | Cairns regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 934KB) | The Cairns Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in October 2014 and found the following: Cairns sources its water from Copperlode Falls Dam (Lake Morris) and Behana Creek. These supplies have been reliable, with no previous shortages. However, population growth, tourism, and changes in climate could increase future demand. The Cairns RWSSA also found that while the current supplies meet existing needs, water shortages could occur in the coming years under medium population growth or with large development projects, such as major tourism initiatives. To address this, Cairns Regional Council has identified short-, medium-, and long-term actions to ensure a secure and reliable water supply for Cairns. Since publication of the Cairns RWSSA, Council has undertaken (or is completing) works to improve access to existing water supplies, develop a new Mulgrave River supply, and construct a new water treatment plant, reservoirs and associated distribution infrastructure. These works will provide additional water, enhance water distribution efficiency, reduce leaks, and improve overall system and supply reliability. |
| Cardwell | Cardwell regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 4.5MB) | The Cardwell Urban Water Security Assessment (UWSA) was published in February 2025 and found the following: Cardwell's main water source is surface water from Meunga Creek, with groundwater from Kennedy Bore used during periods of high raw water turbidity in the creek. Current water supplies are expected to meet demand until at least 2050. However, careful management, such as implementing water restrictions, is needed to meet demand during dry periods. Key issues include high water losses and the need to identify a reliable contingency (backup) water source, such as additional groundwater. Recommended actions include developing a drought response strategy, identifying contingency water supplies, and continuing to implement the Council's loss management plan. Findings from the Cardwell UWSA helped secure funding from the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth's National Water Grid Fund to support Council's ongoing leak reduction project. This includes upgrading ageing water mains to improve the efficiency and reliability of the water supply system. |
| Charters Towers | Charters Towers regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.4MB) | The Charters Towers Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in February 2016 and found the following: Charters Towers sources its water from Charters Towers Weir on the Burdekin River. The Council's current water entitlements are expected to meet the community's water demands reliably until at least 2036. However, the community is likely to face frequent water restrictions. To improve water security, options include better demand management, upgrading infrastructure, optimising the recycled water system, and exploring the possibility of building a new upstream weir. Since publication of the Charters Towers RWSSA, Charters Towers Regional Council has been replacing minor water mains, constructing a new reservoir and pump stations, and upgrading the associated existing main water supply network. Flood damage in early 2025 also necessitated repairs to the intake at Charters Towers Weir. A proposal to build Big Rocks Weir upstream of Charters Towers has been undergoing various stages of assessment. |
| Chinchilla | Chinchilla regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 3.9MB) | The Chinchilla Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in December 2018 and found the following: Chinchilla's water supply comes from Chinchilla Weir, which is part of the Chinchilla Weir Water Supply Scheme, and is supplemented by treated coal seam gas (CSG) water. These sources are expected to meet the town's water needs with a low risk of supply failure until at least 2041. However, this reliability depends on the continued availability of CSG water to Western Downs Regional Council. It is also likely that moderate to severe water restrictions will be needed relatively often. Since publication of the Chinchilla RWSSA, Council has been exploring potential alternative water supply options. This work aims to address the possibility of reduced availability or the eventual cessation of supply of treated CSG water to Chinchilla. |
| Cloncurry | Cloncurry regional water supply security assessments (PDF, 5.7MB) | The Cloncurry Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in April 2020 and found the following: Cloncurry's water supply comes from several sources, including Chinaman Creek Dam, water harvesting from the Cloncurry River and Chinaman Creek, river wells in the sandy bed of the Cloncurry River, and Julius Dam via the North West Queensland Water Pipeline. Water from Julius Dam is supplied under agreements between the Queensland Government, Cloncurry Shire Council, and North West Queensland Water Pipeline Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Sunwater. These combined sources are expected to meet Cloncurry's urban water needs with a high level of reliability until at least 2041. Since publication of the Cloncurry RWSSA, Cloncurry Shire Council has been advancing plans to upgrade Cloncurry's water treatment plant. Meanwhile, the supply of water from Julius Dam has continued as per the existing agreements. |
| Dalby | Dalby urban water security assessment (PDF, 8.8MB) | The Dalby Urban Water Security Assessment (UWSA) was published in September 2025 and found the following: Dalby's water supply comes mainly from groundwater in the Central Condamine Alluvium (CCA) and is supplemented by surface water from Loudoun Weir on the Condamine River. The long-term ability of these sources to meet Dalby's needs is uncertain, and a better understanding of the CCA aquifer is needed. To address this, Council plans to conduct further research to improve the management of the CCA groundwater supply. It also plans to supplement these sources with groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin. Additionally, Council is exploring ways to improve the reliability of its surface water supplies. These actions aim to strengthen Dalby's water supply security. |
| Emerald | Emerald regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.5MB) | The Emerald Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in July 2017 and found the following: Emerald's water supply comes from the Nogoa Mackenzie Water Supply Scheme, which is supported by Fairbairn Dam (Lake Maraboon). Water is extracted from the Nogoa River at either Selma Weir or Town Weir, located about 20 kilometres downstream of the dam. Under current operating arrangements, the reliability of Emerald's urban water supply is not sufficient for a community of its size, and the town does not have a separate contingency (backup) water source. When the Emerald Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was developed in 2016'17, population growth projections for Emerald were relatively high. The assessment found that additional water allocations would be needed to meet the town's water demands by 2036. Since publication of the Emerald RWSSA, Central Highlands Regional Council has developed a comprehensive Water Security Strategy for 2022'2042, along with supporting demand management and planning documents. The ongoing Central Queensland Regional Water Assessment also places significant emphasis on urban water security, including in the Central Highlands region. As of 2025, population projections and future water demand estimates suggest that Emerald's existing water allocation is likely to be sufficient to meet the town's needs until at least 2050. |
| Gladstone | Gladstone regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 6.0MB) | The Gladstone Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in February 2017 and found the following: Gladstone's water supply comes from Awoonga Dam, which is owned and operated by the Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB). The town's reticulation network delivers treated water to a variety of users in Gladstone and nearby communities, including Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, Benaraby, Wurdong Heights, Beecher, Calliope, and Mount Larcom. Awoonga Dam is a large storage that has reliably supplied water to customers, even during extended periods of low inflows. Gladstone's urban water supply is considered highly reliable. Since publication of the Gladstone RWSSA, Rookwood Weir has been constructed, providing additional high-priority water allocations for GAWB. The Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline, currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2026, will further enhance water security by enabling GAWB to pump up to 30,000 megalitres per year from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone. Additionally, the ongoing Central Queensland Regional Water Assessment places a strong focus on ensuring urban water security, including for the Gladstone region. |
| Goondiwindi | Goondiwindi regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 5.7MB) | The Goondiwindi, Texas and Yelarbon Urban Water Security Assessment (UWSA) was published in May 2024 and found the following: Water for Goondiwindi, Texas, and Yelarbon is primarily sourced from the Border Rivers Water Supply Scheme, with additional water from groundwater bores. The scheme's storages that support these towns include Glenlyon Dam (Pikes Creek, Qld), Boggabilla Weir (Macintyre River, Qld), and Goondiwindi Weir (Macintyre River, Qld). Glenlyon Dam is the main surface water source, with supplies supported by natural river flows. The combined surface water and groundwater supplies are expected to meet the projected water demands of Goondiwindi, Texas, and Yelarbon until at least 2050, with a reliability suitable for the size of these communities. However, the drought experienced in the Goondiwindi region from 2019 to 2021 highlights the potential for future water shortages, particularly during droughts more severe than those recorded historically. To prepare for such events, it is essential to have a robust Drought Response Strategy, including access to additional water supplies. Since publication of the Goondiwindi, Texas and Yelarbon UWSA, Goondiwindi Regional Council has been working on developing a Drought Response Strategy. The Council is also integrating two new Great Artesian Basin (GAB) bores into Goondiwindi's water supply system. This process involves blending groundwater with surface water to effectively manage groundwater salinity. The addition of these new GAB bores will enhance supply reliability and provide an important contingency (backup) water source for the Goondiwindi community. |
| Gympie | Gympie regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.9MB) | The Gympie Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in December 2016 and found the following: Gympie's water supply is sourced from the Mary River, just upstream of the town, as part of the Mary Valley Water Supply Scheme. This scheme is supported by water releases from Borumba Dam, located on Yabba Creek. Modelling undertaken for the Gympie RWSSA indicated that, based on Gympie's projected average water demands for 2036, the town could face a water supply shortfall approximately once every 63 years. Additionally, Gympie's current water allocation may not be enough to meet average demands beyond 2036. Under very dry conditions, when water usage tends to increase, this shortfall could occur as early as 2028. Since publication of the Gympie RWSSA, the Water Plan (Mary Basin) 2024 has been revised and now includes provision for an additional 4,000 megalitres per annum for Gympie Regional Council. Council has also endorsed the Gympie Regional Water Security Strategy (Jan 2025). |
| Hervey Bay | Hervey Bay regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.4MB) | The Hervey Bay Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in June 2015 and found the following: Hervey Bay's water supply is supplied through the Wide Bay Water Supply Scheme (Wide Bay WSS), which draws water from the Burrum River. The scheme includes Lenthalls Dam, Hervey Bay's primary water storage, as well as Burrum Weirs No.1 and No.2 located downstream. Two off-stream storages, managed separately from the Wide Bay WSS, are used as balancing storages for raw water from the Burrum River. The Hervey Bay RWSSA also found that the current water sources can provide a high level of security for meeting Hervey Bay's projected water demands over the next 10 years (to around 2025). However, as demand increases, the performance and reliability of the existing supply sources are expected to decline. Since publication of the Hervey Bay RWSSA, the Water Plan (Mary Basin) 2024 has been revised and now includes provision for an additional 6,000 megalitres per annum for the Fraser Coast Regional Council. Also, as part of its Water Security Strategy, Council is progressing the planning and design of the Hervey Bay to Maryborough Interconnector Pipeline. This pipeline is expected to significantly enhance urban water security for both communities. |
| Ilfracombe | Ilfracombe regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.9MB) | The Ilfracombe Regional Water Supply Security Assessment was published in December 2020 and found the following: Ilfracombe's water supply primarily comes from surface water stored in Murray MacMillan Dam on Collumpton Creek, and Shannon Dam, an off-stream storage. A single bore also provides groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin, which is treated through a reverse osmosis plant. These sources are generally sufficient to meet the town's urban water needs. If either the local surface water or groundwater cannot adequately meet demand, water can be transported from Longreach, 30 kilometres away. |
| Innisfail | Innisfail regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 5.2MB) | The Innisfail Urban Water Security Assessment (UWSA) was published in February 2025 and found the following: Innisfail's water supply is sourced from the Johnstone River, and this source is expected to meet projected demands until at least 2050. However, during dry periods, careful management'such as implementing water restrictions'is required to ensure supply reliability. Key issues include high water losses and the need to identify a reliable contingency (backup) water supply source, such as groundwater. Recommendations to address these challenges include developing a Drought Response Strategy, identifying suitable contingency (backup) supplies, and continuing to implement the Council's loss management plan. Findings from the Innisfail UWSA helped secure funding from the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth's National Water Grid Fund to support Council's ongoing leak reduction project. This includes upgrading ageing water mains to improve the efficiency and reliability of the water supply system. |
| Isisford | Isisford regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.0MB) | The Isisford Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in December 2020 and found the following: Isisford's water is sourced from the Barcoo River, with water extracted from the ponded area created by a weir and stored in an off-stream dam. This supply is expected to meet the town's current and projected urban water needs until at least 2041, with a moderate level of reliability. However, the assessment also found that the water supply system may be at risk of falling to critically low levels during extended severe droughts. This could result in water supply shortfalls, even with water restrictions in place. In the past, during such events, Longreach Regional Council has transported water from the reliable Oma Waterhole, 15 kilometres downstream, which serves as a contingency (backup) supply for the town. Since publication of the Isisford RWSSA, Council has replaced the ageing Isisford Weir, which was originally constructed in 1934. |
| Kingaroy | Kingaroy regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 3.3MB) | The Kingaroy Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in September 2020 and found the following: Kingaroy's water supply is sourced from Boondooma Dam and Gordonbrook Dam. Boondooma Dam, which is part of the Boyne River and Tarong Water Supply Scheme, is a significantly more reliable source than Gordonbrook Dam, which frequently experiences water quality issues. These issues often limit South Burnett Regional Council's ability to use water from Gordonbrook Dam, particularly when water levels are low. The Kingaroy RWSSA also identified that Kingaroy's urban water supply has low reliability. It highlighted several measures to improve supply reliability, including securing additional water allocation from Boondooma Dam, enhancing operational arrangements, and increasing the ability to use water stored in Gordonbrook Dam at low levels'for instance, by improving water treatment capabilities. Since the publication of the Kingaroy RWSSA, Council has been working to enhance water supply reliability. Key initiatives include investigating the construction of an off-stream storage near Gordonbrook Dam, seeking additional water allocation from Boondooma Dam, and collaborating with the Queensland Government and Seqwater to explore further opportunities. |
| Longreach | Longreach regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 3.5MB) | The Longreach Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in August 2019 and found the following: Longreach's water supply is sourced from the Town Weir, located on the Thomson River. This source is expected to meet Longreach's urban water needs with a moderate degree of reliability until at least 2041. However, during extended periods of severe drought, the system may be at risk of falling to critically low water levels, potentially leading to water supply shortfalls. Since the publication of the Longreach RWSSA, Longreach Regional Council has secured government funding to raise the height of the Town Weir by one metre. This will increase the weir's storage capacity and help extend the availability of water during drought conditions. |
| Mackay | Mackay regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.5MB) | The Mackay Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in August 2017 and found the following: Mackay's water supply is sourced from the Pioneer River at Dumbleton Rocks Weir, which is part of the Pioneer River Water Supply Scheme (Pioneer River WSS) and supported by releases from Teemburra Dam. Water is also sourced from eight local groundwater bores. The Mackay RWSSA found that the low average water use for agriculture, combined with Sunwater's uncommitted water not being used, is temporarily benefiting Council's water supply performance from the Pioneer River WSS. This supply forms the foundation of Mackay's urban water security. Under these 'low-use' conditions, Mackay's water supply is considered reliable. However, as water use increases towards the 'full use' of available entitlements, reliability is expected to decline. In addition, with rising water demands driven by future population growth, Council's current water entitlement may become insufficient to meet demand as early as 2028. |
| Maryborough | Maryborough regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.3MB) | The Maryborough Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in June 2015 and found the following: Maryborough's water is primarily sourced from Teddington Weir on Tinana Creek, which is part of the Teddington Weir Water Supply Scheme (WSS). This supply can be supplemented by water diverted from the Mary Barrage, part of the Lower Mary River WSS, which is managed by Sunwater. Maryborough's current water supply is expected to reliably meet the town's water demands until at least 2036. Since the publication of the Maryborough RWSSA, the Fraser Coast Regional Council has developed a comprehensive Water Security Strategy. Council is also advancing the planning and design of the Hervey Bay to Maryborough Interconnector Pipeline, a critical infrastructure project that will significantly enhance urban water security for both communities. |
| Mossman | Mossman and Port Douglas regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2MB) | The Mossman-Port Douglas Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in November 2018 and found the following: The water supply for the Mossman-Port Douglas communities is sourced from Rex Creek, a tributary of the Mossman River, while the Whyanbeel communities rely on water from Little Falls Creek, a tributary of Whyanbeel Creek. A two-way pipeline can transfer water between the Mossman-Port Douglas and Whyanbeel reticulation networks. The Mossman-Port Douglas Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) found that Douglas Shire Council will need additional water entitlements from the Mossman Catchment area by around 2025'26 to meet the growing demands of the Mossman-Port Douglas communities. In contrast, the Council's current water entitlement from Little Falls Creek is expected to be sufficient to meet the Whyanbeel communities' needs until at least 2041, providing a reliable supply. The two-way pipeline to the Whyanbeel reticulation network offers a marginal improvement to the water supply security of the Mossman-Port Douglas communities. Since the publication of the Mossman-Port Douglas RWSSA, Council has duplicated the pipeline connecting the Mossman and Whyanbeel supply networks, improving the reliability of both schemes. Additionally, the Council has been working to secure the release of unallocated water for a new Mossman River intake, a project aimed at enhancing water security and reliability. This initiative is jointly funded by the Council, the Queensland Government, and the Commonwealth Government through the National Water Grid Fund. Council has also increased the production capacity of the Mossman Water Treatment Plant to enable faster replenishment of water reservoirs when needed. |
| Mount Isa | Mount Isa regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 3.7MB) | The Mount Isa Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in January 2020 and found the following: Mount Isa's water supply is sourced from two dams, which form the Moondarra Dam Water Supply Scheme and the Julius Dam Water Supply Scheme. The Mount Isa Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) determined that Mount Isa's water supply has a high level of reliability, expected to meet the city's needs until at least 2041. Since the publication of the Mount Isa RWSSA, Mount Isa City Council has been actively working to improve water efficiency. This includes the installation of smart meters across its network and the replacement of ageing water mains and pipes to minimise water losses. |
| Mount | Mount Morgan regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.7MB) | The Mount Morgan Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in June 2018 and found the following: Mount Morgan's water supply has, until recently, been sourced solely from No. 7 Dam. The Mount Morgan Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) found that the community's historically low water usage had helped maintain a relatively reliable urban water supply. However, it also highlighted that increases in demand or prolonged dry conditions could significantly raise the risk of supply shortfalls. Since the publication of the Mount Morgan RWSSA, Rockhampton Regional Council has developed a new water supply source for Mount Morgan, greatly improving the reliability of its water supply. This new source was developed in response to severe drought conditions causing water levels in No. 7 Dam to drop critically low in 2021, forcing Council to begin carting water from the Gracemere Water Treatment Plant in Rockhampton to Mount Morgan. Council constructed a new water pipeline connecting Gracemere to Mount Morgan, with the final pipe laid in April 2025. This vital project was jointly funded by the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, and Rockhampton Regional Council. |
| Rockhampton | Rockhampton regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.9MB) | The Rockhampton Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in February 2016 and found the following: Rockhampton's water supply is sourced from the Fitzroy Barrage storage, located on the Fitzroy River, which is the sole storage for the Fitzroy Barrage Water Supply Scheme (WSS). This scheme operates in conjunction with the Lower Fitzroy WSS, where Eden Bann Weir is the sole storage. Water levels in these storages can drop rapidly and are highly dependent on seasonal inflows to maintain supply. As a result, a missed or poor wet season'or consecutive poor wet seasons'could lead to a supply shortfall for Rockhampton. This situation results in Rockhampton having an inadequate level of water supply security for a community of its size. Since the publication of the Rockhampton RWSSA, Rockhampton Regional Council and the Queensland Government have been exploring a range of options to improve Rockhampton's water supply reliability. These include accessing water below the current minimum operating level in the Fitzroy Barrage, raising the height of Eden Bann Weir, and modifying the Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline to function as a two-way pipeline, among other potential solutions. The ongoing Central Queensland Regional Water Assessment also places significant emphasis on urban water security, including for Rockhampton. |
| Roma | Roma urban water security assessment (PDF, 3.8MB) | The Roma Urban Water Security Assessment (UWSA) was published in October 2021 and found the following: Roma's water supply is sourced from groundwater aquifers that form part of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB). While this source provides a very reliable supply for the town, water levels in the local Gubberamunda Sandstone aquifer of the GAB have been gradually declining, even during periods of above-average rainfall, due to high water demand from the community. To support the sustainable management of water extractions, local groundwater monitoring, assessment, and modelling are recommended as decision-making tools for future management. Since the publication of the Roma UWSA, Maranoa Regional Council has received Queensland Government funding for several initiatives to enhance the town's water security. These projects include installing water level monitors on the GAB bores, constructing a new bore to replace the town's oldest bore, and conducting a hydrogeological study to gain a better understanding of the groundwater resources. |
| Stanthorpe | Stanthorpe regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.1MB) | The Stanthorpe Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in November 2016 and found the following: Stanthorpe's water supply is sourced solely from Storm King Dam, located on Quart Pot Creek. The dam, owned and operated by Southern Downs Regional Council, had historically been able to meet the town's water demands but had frequently fallen to low water levels. The RWSSA identified an ongoing risk of the dam's storage being depleted during droughts or extended dry periods, potentially leading to water supply shortfalls. In the years following the publication of the Stanthorpe RWSSA, the region experienced prolonged drought conditions, with Storm King Dam falling to critically low levels. This necessitated water carting from Connolly Dam to Stanthorpe between December 2019 and March 2021. In response, Council and the Queensland Government have been investigating alternative water supply sources to improve water security, not only for Stanthorpe but also for Warwick and surrounding smaller communities. These investigations are ongoing. |
| Townsville | Townsville regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.3MB) | The Townsville Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in October 2014 and found the following: Townsville has three key sources of water supply. The primary source is the Ross River Dam. Additional water is supplied by the Paluma Dam/Crystal Creek system. During extended drought periods, when the water in Ross River Dam drops to low levels, additional water is pumped from the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme (BHWSS) via the Haughton pipeline to replenish the dam. Typically, Townsville's water demands can be met by the Ross River Dam and Paluma Dam/Crystal Creek systems through two to three consecutive wet seasons with low inflows before requiring water from the BHWSS. Since the publication of the Townsville RWSSA, Townsville City Council has completed Stage 1 of the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project. This infrastructure enables the Council to 'top up' the Ross River Dam by pumping water from the Burdekin River during periods of very low rainfall. Council is now advancing Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline, which will extend the Stage 1 pipeline from the Haughton River to the Burdekin River near Clare. These projects are jointly funded by Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government. As part of Townsville's 3-Point Water Security Solution, which includes the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project, Council has also constructed the Townsville Recycled Water Reuse Scheme and implemented the Water Smart Package, with support from the Queensland Government. These initiatives aim to improve water use efficiency and enhance the city's overall water security. |
| Tully | Tully and Mission Beach regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 6MB) | The Tully and Mission Beach Urban Water Security Assessment (UWSA) was published in February 2025 and found the following: Tully's water supply is sourced from Bulgun Creek and Boulder Creek, with an interconnecting pipeline linking it to Mission Beach. Mission Beach sources its water from Nyleta Creek, South Liverpool Creek, and two groundwater bores near Jurs Creek. The current water entitlements and supply sources are expected to meet the combined demands of both communities until at least 2050. However, Tully's reliance on water piped from Mission Beach is likely to increase over time, and the capacity of this pipeline could be reached by around 2050. The capacity of the pipeline may need to be upgraded, or Tully may require an additional water source and/or increased entitlements to water from Bulgun and/or Boulder creeks. Additionally, meeting water demand during dry periods will require careful management, including the use of water restrictions. Key issues identified include significant water losses and the need to establish a contingency (or backup) supply source, such as groundwater, particularly for Tully. Recommendations from the Tully and Mission Beach UWSA include developing a drought response strategy, identifying suitable contingency water supplies, and continuing the implementation of Council's loss management plan. The Tully and Mission Beach UWSA played a critical role in securing funding from the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth's National Water Grid Fund. This funding supports Council's ongoing leak reduction project, which includes upgrading ageing water mains to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the water supply system. |
| Warwick | Warwick regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 4.2MB) | The Warwick Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in June 2018 and found the following: Warwick's water supply is primarily sourced from Leslie Dam, the main storage facility in the Upper Condamine Water Supply Scheme. Before Leslie Dam was constructed, Warwick relied solely on Connolly Dam for its water supply, which can now be used to supplement Warwick's water supplies if required. The RWSSA also found that Leslie Dam can meet Warwick's current and projected urban water requirements until at least 2041 with a high degree of reliability. Following the publication of the Warwick RWSSA, the region experienced prolonged drought conditions, causing water levels in Leslie Dam to drop significantly. During this time, water from Connolly Dam was also required for trucking to Stanthorpe, whose supply source had been depleted. In response, the Queensland Government announced the construction of a pipeline from Toowoomba to Warwick to deliver water from Wivenhoe Dam. The construction of this pipeline has been progressing and is expected to enhance water security not only for Warwick and surrounding smaller communities, but also potentially for Stanthorpe. |
| Whitsundays | Whitsundays regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.2MB) | The Whitsunday Regional Water Supply Security Assessment (RWSSA) was published in August 2016 and found the following: Whitsunday Regional Council provides drinking water throughout the Whitsunday region, including Airlie Beach, Bowen, Cannonvale and Proserpine. To supply these and other smaller communities, Council manages three drinking water schemes, each with its own water treatment plant'the Bowen, Coastal, and Proserpine Drinking Water Schemes. These schemes are primarily supplied with water from the Proserpine River Water Supply Scheme. Additionally, Council sources groundwater that supports the daily demands of the Coastal and Proserpine schemes and is a contingency (backup) source for the Bowen Drinking Water Scheme. The Whitsunday RWSSA concluded that the water supply security of the Whitsunday communities is significantly enhanced by the low use of existing water entitlements for agriculture, as well as Council's use of groundwater. Since the publication of the Whitsunday RWSSA, Council has drilled additional groundwater bores in the Proserpine area. The Council is also exploring potential improvements to supply arrangements, including the use of recycled water to offset some system demands. |