An additional 55,000 megalitres of unallocated water licences have been made available in Far North Queensland, opening new opportunities for farmers and regional industries in the Mitchell water plan area.
Applications are now open for the licences, following recent demand for access to unused water resources and a review undertaken as part of Queensland’s Unlocking Water Project.
The release is intended to support agricultural expansion, enable investment and strengthen water security in one of the state’s most significant catchments.
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Why the Mitchell release matters
Water availability remains a key constraint on agricultural growth across northern Australia, where rainfall variability and long distances between water sources shape farming and industry decisions.
The Mitchell water plan area supports a range of agricultural enterprises and regional industries, many of which rely on secure access to water to expand production, invest in infrastructure and create local jobs.
Releasing additional unallocated water provides greater certainty for water users, particularly when existing demand exceeds available entitlements.
Link to broader water planning reforms
The release follows recommendations from the Unlocking Water Project, which reviewed Queensland’s 23 water plans to identify unused water and better align allocation with demonstrated demand.
The Mitchell water plan was one of four pilot reviews used to test this approach, which focused on prioritising water resources to support the economic and community needs of regional and rural Queensland.
Importantly, the additional licences being made available now are separate from the final outcome of the broader Mitchell Water Plan review, which is underway and due to replace the current plan before it expires in November 2027.
What the review process has found so far
Member for Cook David Kempton said the Mitchell River Water Plan review has reached Stage Two, with the newly released licences resulting from early desktop assessments.
“These additional water licences are the result of early desktop assessments and are separate from the final outcome of the Mitchell Water Plan review,” Kempton said.
Stage Two of the review is examining how water is currently managed in the Mitchell River system, with further consultation and assessment expected as the plan progresses.
Supporting sustainable growth
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the release is intended to give farmers and agribusinesses greater confidence to grow sustainably.
“We know that water is the foundation of farming in our State, and we are committed to delivering water that is accessible and affordable,” Leahy said.
The additional water is expected to support not only on-farm expansion, but also broader regional economic activity linked to agriculture and associated industries.
Next steps for applicants
Applications for the new water licences are open until 5 pm on 30 April 2026, and interested parties can apply through the Business Queensland website.