Western Downs Regional Council is advocating for strategic investment in long-term new bulk water to unlock the full potential of our region and support the industries that feed, clothe, and power the nation.
We know that water is essential - not just for agriculture, but for energy, industry, and liveability.
That’s why Council is calling for Government support to secure the water future of the Western Downs and ensure our region continues to thrive.
Why Water Matters
The Western Downs is The Energy Capital of Queensland, generating 31% of the state's renewable capacity and powering more than two million Australian homes and businesses every day. The region is also deeply embedded in national food production and supply chains. With 44% of the nation's feedlot capacity located within 200km of the Dalby Regional Saleyards, and a Gross Value of Production of around $1 billion, the Western Downs boasts Queensland's second-largest agricultural economy. We’re also home to innovative manufacturers, and thousands of other businesses and organisations that support our growing economy and vibrant communities.
With over $37.7 billion of projects across a wide variety of industries in the region's development pipeline, and projected population growth of approximately 7% over the next two decades, the Western Downs is a region of enormous opportunity. However, to fully realise this potential, keep our economy growing strong, and support the 35,000 people who call the Western Downs home, we need a new bulk water supply that our industries and communities can depend on for generations to come.
Survey data from businesses across the region shows that 62% report moderate to severe impacts on productivity due to water constraints and 65% say water is limiting their ability to grow. Businesses are delaying expansion, absorbing increased costs, or adapting operations at their own expense. Projects are forced to trade water, rely on inefficient alternatives, or withdraw altogether. For large-scale developments, water security is becoming a deciding factor in whether an investment proceeds.
The Current Water Forecast
The April 2025 Create Advisory 'Water in the Western Downs' Base Case Report(PDF, 4MB) paints a striking picture of immense opportunity threatened by a lack of water security. Over the next 30 years, water demand across all sectors is projected to grow significantly. Agricultural use is expected to rise by 9%, while industrial demand is forecast to more than double - an increase of 110%.
Urban growth is also driving pressure on Council's water network and supply, with town water demand set to increase by 20%. Yet, some smaller communities in the Western Downs are already at capacity, unable to support further population growth without access to new bulk water.
While the region holds 400,000ML/a in water entitlements on paper, actual yield is estimated at less than 244,000ML/a. With no unallocated surface water and limited, costly-to-access groundwater, the need for new bulk water is critical to unlocking the region’s future.
The work to identify new bulk water solutions has already been done. Viable options exist, including the long-standing Nathan Dam proposal, which has undergone extensive assessment and remains one of the most advanced bulk water solutions for the Western Downs. The issue is no longer identifying a solution, it is that the solutions are not being progressed.
Responsibility sits across multiple levels of government, and current arrangements are not translating large-scale, multi-jurisdictional infrastructure from concept to construction. At present, the system is geared toward incremental progress, smaller investments that extend existing capacity but do not resolve the underlying constraint. That approach is no longer keeping pace with the scale of demand now emerging. The Western Downs is not asking for short-term fixes. It requires decisions that match the scale of the opportunity and the level of national reliance already being placed on the region.
What This Means for Our Region
Future Growth: The Queensland Government’s 2024 Regional Water Assessment forecasts a 12.7% increase in water demand by 2051, including a 110% rise in industrial use. Our region is ready to grow, but we need the water and infrastructure to match.
Development Pipeline: The Western Downs has over $37 billion of projects in the pipeline - many significant water needs - across renewables, intensive agriculture, resources, and bioenergy. Without secure water, the viability of these projects is at risk.
Urban Liveability: The Regional Australia Institute estimates that 1 in 5 city households is considering relocating regionally. With thriving, active communities, a strong and diverse economy, and enviable liveability, we’re well placed to welcome new residents, but some towns are already facing constraints on residential development due to limited urban water supply.
Climate Change Resilience: Higher temperatures, reduced rainfall reliability and increased evaporation are placing pressure on an already constrained and variable water supply.
Council’s Advocacy
Council has actively advocated for long-term bulk water solutions over many years, including commissioning technical assessments, economic modelling and making formal submissions to all levels of government. This has included progressing Nathan Dam as a potential new bulk water source, undertaking pre-feasibility work, engaging directly with Ministers and contributing to the Southern & Darling Downs Regional Water Supply Assessment. Council has also provided detailed reports, including the Create Advisory Water Base Case Report, and made submissions to key policy processes such as the GABORA Water Plan Review.
Senior leadership has engaged directly with State and Federal representatives through meetings in Brisbane and Canberra, alongside ongoing advocacy through peak bodies including the Local Government Association of Queensland and the Australian Local Government Association. Despite sustained and consistent advocacy, no commitment has been secured to address long-term water security for the region.
We’re calling for:
- Visionary government investment in long-term bulk water infrastructure
- New supply options to support future growth and development
- A secure water future that enables the Western Downs to reach its full potential