Rural
25 August, 2025
Advisory group to drive ‘once in a lifetime’ water project
A new industry-led advisory group has been formed to drive a “once in a lifetime” water security project for the Somerset and Lockyer Valley region.
The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme (LVSWSS) is a joint venture between the two councils, growers, and industry. It aims to utilise the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme—built after the Millennium Drought to provide purified recycled water to SEQ’s drinking supply but never used for that purpose—to instead support agriculture.
The new Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) includes Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG), Greenlife Industry Queensland, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), Regional Development Australia Ipswich and West Moreton, and the Council of Mayors of SEQ.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the SAG would help position the project with stakeholders, ensuring it becomes investment-ready. Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan described the group’s formation as a major step in developing one of the most important economic infrastructure projects in decades.
Water Collaborative Chair Paul Lucas said the membership reflected the project’s significance to agriculture, food security, and Queensland’s economy. “We want decision makers at State and Commonwealth levels confident this project has strong industry support,” he said.
QFVG Chief Executive Rachel Chambers highlighted the region’s role in supplying 40 per cent of Queensland’s and 5 per cent of Australia’s fresh produce. “This is a food security project first and foremost, and I applaud innovative use of existing infrastructure,” she said.
Greenlife Industry Queensland CEO Colin Fruk said remobilising the recycled water scheme could be a game-changer. “Access to a secure, climate-resilient water source is critical. Repurposing recycled water reduces pressure on traditional supplies and future-proofs our sector, boosting jobs, green infrastructure, and environmental outcomes,” he said.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard stressed that sustainable water supply underpins agriculture’s viability. “Water security and affordability are essential for delivering the Government’s goal to boost production to $30 billion by 2030. This initiative safeguards water for agriculture and consumers,” she said.
The LVSWSS is part of the Water Initiatives in the Lockyer Valley commitment under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and the Council of Mayors (SEQ). This includes the LVSWSS and the SEQ Agricultural Water Assessment (SEQAgRWA), focused on long-term planning.
Funding includes $10 million from the Australian Government, $0.8 million from the councils, and $2.5 million from the Queensland Government for SEQAgRWA. The LVSWSS aims to be investment-ready by 2026, delivering an agriculture sector worth over $1 billion.
