Cloncurry water prices will be eased through a $22 million Queensland Government subsidy over four years.
The 2026–27 State Budget funding will subsidise the cost of water supplied to Cloncurry Shire Council.
The Government said savings will be passed on to the community through reduced supply charges.
The measure is designed to limit water price increases for Cloncurry residents and businesses.
It also aims to prevent bill shock in a remote community where water supply costs are affected by distance and infrastructure demands.
Why are Cloncurry water prices under pressure?
Cloncurry’s location in North West Queensland makes water supply more expensive than in many larger urban centres.
The community relies on extensive infrastructure to secure and deliver water.
That includes water supplied through the North West Queensland Water Pipeline and the Cloncurry Pipeline.
The Government said the subsidy will continue to support the cost of water supplied to Council through those systems.
For residents and businesses, the practical outcome is expected to be lower supply charges than would otherwise apply.
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How much funding has been allocated?
The Crisafulli Government has allocated $22 million over the next four years. The funding has been positioned as a cost-of-living measure for regional Queensland.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the investment would help keep essential services affordable.
“For far too long, regional communities like Cloncurry have faced higher water costs due to distance and infrastructure demands,” Leahy said. “Our Government understands the importance of affordable water, and this investment helps ease those pressures and support more affordable, reliable services.”
What does it mean for households and businesses?
The subsidy is intended to reduce pressure on water bills for households and businesses in Cloncurry.
Remote communities can face higher costs because water supply depends on long-distance infrastructure, energy, maintenance, and treatment. Those costs can be harder to absorb across smaller customer bases.
Leahy said the measure would help ensure savings flow through to local customers.
“This investment will help ensure savings are passed on to Cloncurry households, easing cost-of-living pressures and preventing bill shock while supporting more stable, affordable essential services for the region.”
How has Cloncurry Shire responded?
Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Greg Campbell said the funding would provide important local support.
He said the measure would help residents and businesses manage water costs.
“This funding will help ease pressure on water costs and prevent bill shock for residents and businesses, which is particularly important in a remote community like Cloncurry,” Campbell said. “Residents and businesses in Cloncurry rely on affordable and reliable essential services, and this support will make a real difference in helping to keep water costs manageable for our community.”
