Burdekin River to Bowen: 105km underground pipeline planned

Plans for a new underground pipeline are expected to secure enough water to shore up thousands of jobs across North Queensland. Watch the video.

A new 105km underground pipeline from the Burdekin River to Bowen could distribute up to 100 gigalitres of water to agricultural and primary industry customers every year.

The project could pipe enough water to irrigate up to 40,000 hectares of land, underpinning the growth of farming and horticulturalist industries in North Queensland.

In what is considered a critical first step, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the government would invest $6.9 million in detailed business cases for two new water infrastructure projects.

Through the National Water Grid Fund, the government will fully fund investigations into the future construction of a new pipeline from the Burdekin River to Bowen, and new or upgraded infrastructure for the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association president Carl Walker said a secure water supply would be vital to the prosperity and growth of the region.

“With the way the weather is, every year can be a failure - there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ year anymore. so it’s very important we underpin our longevity with secure water,” Mr Walker said.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association president Carl Walker and packer Kieren Field harvesting capsicums at Walker Farms on Tuesday. Picture: Kirra Grimes

“For Bowen and Gumlu, our industry is worth about $500 million in gate sales, so every 10 per cent you cannot grow because you haven’t got water, it’s $50 million.

“So if you’re restricted by 50 per cent, there’s $250 million at the gate and there’s basically 3500 to 4000 direct jobs relying on that industry and that affects the town.

“Anyone will tell you if the farming industry’s doing well, the town’s doing well, and if the farming industry’s struggling, the town’s struggling.

“So if we haven‘t got secure water to underpin not only agricultural, industrial and the town, then our town will suffer.”

Mr Joyce said the business cases were an essential early step towards securing the reliable water northern Queensland farmers needed to expand and prosper.

“North Queensland’s agricultural and primary industries are critical to the region’s workforce, economy and getting Aussie-grown favourites on dinner tables,” he said.

“Water supply and security plays a core role in the prosperity of these industries, which is why we’ve committed $6.9 million to deliver the planning needed to identify the right water infrastructure options for the region.

“$5 million of this will underpin a detailed investigation into the delivery of a 105km underground pipeline from the Burdekin River to Bowen, which could distribute up to 100 gigalitres to agricultural and primary industry customers every year.

“This is enough water to irrigate up to 40,000 hectares of additional land, underpinning the growth of these vital industries and providing more opportunities in the region.”

Bowen Pipeline Company directors Sean and Kathryn Brown said the concept had been discussed since construction of the Burdekin Falls Dam 40 years ago but this funding could lead them to turning soil in 2023.

“Given the enormous opportunity open to horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture, and the need for a reliable and secure source of water, now is the time to make it happen for the communities of the Bowen region,” Mr Brown said.

Dawson MP George Christensen said the remaining $1.9 million would deliver the detailed business case required for the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme Modernisation project.

“This business case will consider the viability of new or upgraded infrastructure in the scheme, which will have the potential to recover 15 to 20 gigalitres of additional water that can be allocated to local growers and farmers who can put it to great use,” he said.

“It could also reduce the inflows to the groundwater table by up to 3000 megalitres a year, better protecting the quality of that precious natural resource.

Bowen Pipeline Company chairman Brent Finlay, Dawson MP George Christensen, Whitsunday mayor Andrew Willcox, and Bowen Gumlu Growers Association president Carl Walker at Walker Farms on Tuesday. Picture: Kirra Grimes

“The Burdekin Haughton scheme already supplies water for irrigation customers in the lower Burdekin region, backing local businesses and farmers including those producing our famous mangoes and sugar cane.

“Abundant, reliable water makes our region tick, which is why we’re work to put in place the water infrastructure that will allow our farmers and businesses to grow into the future.”