The Queensland Government has opened a new release of water from the Great Artesian Basin Water Resource Plan for agricultural and community use.

State Minider for Natural Resources, Andrew Crupps, said that the Government will issue a tender later this week for up to 7200 megalitres for unallocated water from general reserves identified in the Water Resource Plan.

“This water is planned for release in the Surat, Surat East and Surat North management areas of the Basin,” Mr Cripps said.

“It strikes the right balance between economic development and the responsible and sustainable management of our water resources.

“Licences will be granted based on a strict set of criteria and a reserve price that ensures these precious water resources are valued by irrigators and are used efficiently.

Mr Cripps said the unallocated water subject to tender will comprise:

  • Surat Management Area
    • 3000 ML from the Surat 6 Management Unit
    • 2000 ML from the Surat 7 Management Unit
  • Surat East Management Area
    • 1000 ML from the Surat East 3 Management Unit
    • 1000 ML from the Surat East 4 Management Unit
  • Surat North Management Area
    • 100 ML from the Surat North 2 Management Unit
    • 100 ML from the Surat North 3 Management Unit.

“These volumes were determined by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines through its water resource planning process and using the best available science,” he said.

“That process showed these volumes of water could be released while maintaining the environmental values of the Great Artesian Basin and the security of supply to existing water users.

Public information sessions about the release of unallocated water from the GAB will be held at:

  • Chinchilla Cultural Centre – Monday, 17th June – 1pm to 4pm
  • Roma Explorer’s Inn – Tuesday, 18th June – 9am to 12pm
  • Golden Age Centre Goondiwindi – Wednesday, 19th June – 9am to 12pm