16 July 2026
The visionary Water for Warrill project is one step closer to becoming a reality, with a Queensland Government grant of $3.4 million awarded to develop a detailed business case.
The Water for Warrill Irrigation Project is a win-win for South East Queensland farmers, residents and the environment by identifying low-impact water storage investments that can turn floodwaters into productive water.
Water for Warrill Chairman, Richard Gorman, said the project’s research to date has estimated there’s up to 22,000 megalitres of additional water available during flooding events that could drought-proof the region’s fresh food producers, without impacting existing users and environmental flow.
“Communities grow where water flows. That’s the reality in agriculture and the next drought is never that far away and we want to be prepared for it.
“By turning floodwaters into productive water with smart, low-impact water storage, we can increase our farming region’s productivity and protect Ipswich and the Moreton Bay.”
“This grant from the Queensland Government for the detailed business case is a critical step forward that will deliver detailed construction-ready designs for water storage for our community”, Mr Gorman said.
Water for Warrill Deputy Chair and dairy farmer, Paul Roderick, said this farmer-led initiative has identified a portfolio of practical solutions to complement the water already in the system.
“Having a more reliable source of water gives us the confidence to expand and invest in our businesses, and we see a broader benefit for the whole community.
“Our members are really looking forward to getting something tangible to invest in,” Mr Roderick said.
Water for Warrill member and poultry farmer, Matthew Van Den Brink, has experienced first-hand the impact of running out of water during drought times.
“With support from the Government, we are showing we can get things done, we’re now getting to the detailed planning stage with growers,” Mr Van Den Brink said.
The project’s research shows that a more secure water supply can result in up to 1340 new jobs in agriculture, value-added processing and supporting industries for the Scenic Rim region.
The project has the potential to deliver a $305M boost to the region’s economy, including $150M in new agricultural revenue each year, by enabling irrigators to consolidate existing production and expand their operations.
The business case will be undertaken over the next 18-24 months, and will deliver costed plans for infrastructure, potential changes to water sharing agreements, and a pathway to implementation.
“As well as the economic benefits for the agricultural supply chain, we have a growing local population which will need extra water for households, industry and parks and gardens,” Mr Gorman said.
“The research to date has also demonstrated that improved infrastructure and water planning systems can maintain environmental flows while also minimising downstream flood impacts.
“As farmers are the biggest users of water by volume in the region, we are driving this initiative on the community’s behalf.”
ENDS
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Michael Thomson
0408 819 666