Healthy HeadWaters Program
Healthy HeadWaters in the Murray−Darling Basin
The Queensland Government is working with the Australian and other State governments to secure a sustainable future for the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB).
The Australian Government has agreed in principle to fund priority water projects in Murray–Darling Basin states, as part of its Water for the Future initiative. The Queensland projects are collectively known as the Healthy HeadWaters Program.
Healthy HeadWaters Program goals
The Queensland Government’s Healthy HeadWaters Program aims to:
- help Queensland’s Murray–Darling Basin (QMDB) irrigation communities deal with climate change and reduced consumptive water availability
- help QMDB irrigation communities maintain their water-dependent economic vibrancy
- ensure the long-term viability of ecological assets by making more water available for the environment.
Healthy HeadWaters Water Use Efficiency project
Through an on-farm infrastructure funding program and suite of supporting projects, the Healthy HeadWaters Water Use Efficiency (HHWUE) project aims to improve efficiency and productivity of on-farm water use while helping irrigators adapt to reduced water availability.
Under the funding program, eligible irrigators can receive an agreed amount up to 90 per cent of the total cost to undertake on-farm infrastructure projects to increase water use efficiency. In return for the government funding, irrigators must transfer at least 50 per cent of the water savings by permanent trade of water allocation to the Australian Government for environmental use.
The HHWUE project also makes funding available for technical services to assist irrigators in their on-farm planning and includes benchmarking and supporting projects.
Coal Seam Gas Water Feasibility Study
Another project will examine the feasibility of using coal seam gas water in addressing water sustainability and adjustment issues in the Queensland Murray–Darling Basin.
The $5 million Coal Seam Gas Water Feasibility Study will analyse the opportunities for, and the risks and practicability of, using coal seam gas water to assist in achieving the long-term goals of transitioning irrigation communities to lower water use and securing viability of ecological assets.
Last updated 30 July 2012
