Growers to lock in ‘once in a lifetime’ water opportunity
Published on 19 March 2026
QUEENSLAND’S most exciting water project in decades is about to start its next stage towards becoming a reality.
The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme (LVSWSS) is launching a new round of grower engagement to confirm its foundation customers.
The LVSWSS is seeking to construct a 200km purpose-built pipeline to connect into the existing Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme to deliver 22,000ML annually or a 50 per cent increase in irrigation water for the region.
To kickstart the next round of grower engagement, the project will hold public forums in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset on 9 April.
Coominya
Time: 11.30am to 1pm
Venue: Coominya Hall
Light refreshments provided.
Gatton
Time: 5.30pm to 7pm
Venue: Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre
Light refreshments provided.
For more information, phone 0488 089 532.
Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan and Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the project would provide one of the nation’s most secure and reliable irrigation schemes.
“This is a once in a lifetime, region-building, food security initiative for Queensland and the most important infrastructure project for the Lockyer Valley and Somerset in decades,” Mayor Milligan said.
“We know from our demand assessments to date, that about 180 growers are interested in securing water from the scheme.
“Over the first half of the year, we need to lock in the initial customers to allow the pipeline route and scheme design to be finalised and importantly, demonstrate to government that we have the customer base to support the project.”
Mayor Wendt said the project had settled on a 22,000ML a year scheme with a trunk main and supply spur lines, with solar and batteries to power the scheme.
“At 22,000ML, the scheme will increase the region's fresh food production by up to $270 million a year,” Mayor Wendt said.
“This smart project uses water from the underutilised Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme to massively increase reliable production in Queensland’s most famous food bowl.”
Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative Chair Paul Lucas said securing the scheme’s customer base was now the priority.
“It is critical that we can now demonstrate we have growers and customers on board. We have time to revise the route of our pipeline and spur lines based on demand, but we now need to understand from growers who is in and who isn’t,” Mr Lucas said.
“We have a unique opportunity to secure a highly reliable water supply for growers which means a better supply of high-quality horticulture to Queensland and the entire Eastern Seaboard. This represents jobs and economic growth for our region.
The project will deliver its final proposal to the Queensland and Commonwealth governments in June this year for capital investment consideration.
The LVSWSS forms part of the Water Initiatives in the Lockyer Valley commitment being delivered under the South-East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal. The SEQ City Deal is a partnership by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors for South-East Queensland.
To find out more about the project, visit lvandswatercollaborative.com.au