The Queensland Government has taken a major step toward improving long-term Dawson Valley water security, with a temporary release providing irrigators access to 90,000 megalitres of water each year. The three-year allocation is designed to give producers greater confidence to plan, invest and manage through increasingly variable conditions.
Thirteen temporary licences have been granted under the 2025 Dawson Valley Strategic Water Infrastructure Reserve release. Each licence provides access to a portion of the 70,000ML per year made available under the scheme, with a further 20,000ML allocated separately for broader regional support. The release forms part of a wider effort to expand productive water availability across Queensland’s agricultural regions.
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How new allocations support Dawson Valley water security
The release aims to reduce uncertainty for irrigators by improving access to reliable volumes during the next three years.
Minister for Local Government and Water, Ann Leahy, said the outcome reflects a commitment to strengthening regional economies.
“Another 270,000 megalitres of water is available to support Dawson Valley agricultural businesses over the next three years, thanks to this release,” she said.
Leahy said the increased availability would help drive stronger farm output and support local employment.
Member for Callide Bryson Head said the release demonstrates targeted support for the region’s producers.
“I know just how important water security is for the hardworking farmers of the Dawson Valley. This release gives our producers the confidence to plan for the next three years, invest in their businesses, and continue delivering the high-quality produce our region is known for,” he said.
President of the Dawson Valley Cotton Growers’ Association, Andrew French, said the additional water will provide immediate and long-term benefits for the region.
“Crops don’t grow without water, so it’s great to see the government continuing to support farmers with more water releases that will help increase local agricultural production,” he said.
French said the economic contribution would extend well beyond farms as more water underpinned broader activity in the valley.
A broader push to expand water access across Queensland
The temporary release is one of several water security actions underway through the Watertight Water Security Plan. This includes reviewing Queensland’s 23 water plans to identify opportunities for additional releases, lower barriers to access, and reduced costs for households and businesses. The focus is on balancing reliable supply with efficient management of existing reserves.
The latest Dawson Valley release provides irrigation businesses with a clearer operating horizon through 2028 and helps reduce short-term exposure to dry seasonal conditions. For growers across Moura and surrounding districts, the release is expected to help stabilise operations, maintain production and protect jobs across the local economy.
As Queensland faces a hotter, drier climate, this investment in Dawson Valley water security demonstrates how targeted, temporary releases can support regional growth while longer-term planning continues across catchments.