Minute With The Mayor Ramon Jayo 26 August

Water is central to life in the Hinchinbrook region. It keeps us healthy, supports our agriculture, sustains local businesses, and helps our communities thrive.

The Queensland Government has announced a review of the Wet Tropics Water Plan, which could lead to the release of unallocated water to support future growth.

This is a significant opportunity for our region, and Council encourages interested parties to get involved by lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) before 31 August 2025.

Water plans are important tools that determine how much water is available and how it’s managed across different sectors.

They aim to balance the needs of urban, industrial, agricultural, environmental, and cultural users, while ensuring long-term sustainability.

These plans may include reserves of unallocated water, which can be released for future use without affecting current water users or the environment.

In the Wet Tropics area, unallocated water is available from two sources:
The general reserve, which includes watercourse water and groundwater depending on location, and;
The high-flow reserve, which includes watercourse water.

This means there are real opportunities for local landholders, businesses, and developers to secure water access that could support agricultural expansion, diversification into higher-value crops, or new business ventures.

By submitting an EOI, you’re helping demonstrate genuine demand for the Hinchinbrook region, which can influence future decisions and ensure we are considered in the planning process.

Lodge an EOI here at this link https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/unallocated-water/eoi/wet-tropics by Sunday, 31st of August 2025.

Missing it could mean waiting years for another chance to access new water allocations.