Newsletter #8 – June 2026

In this issue

• Growers snap up 70% of new water
• Economic Benefits report released
• Recycled is used by the world to grow food
• New CSIRO report highlights our project
• Stakeholder engagement update
•  Media and social media campaigns

Growers snap up 70% of new water

Mayors Wendt and Milligan on Sutton Farms announcing outcome of the water sales

Our project is celebrating a significant milestone and game changer for our region.

More than 100 growers have signed on as foundation customers of the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme.

In just under two short months, growers have signed up for more than 15,000ML or more than 70% of the scheme’s proposed 22,000ML capacity.

It’s a wonderful and clear demonstration of grower support and commitment.

Our Mayors have rightly described the project as a “once in a lifetime’’ providing real water security for the region for the first time.

It is important to note that our project is seeking to use wastewater currently being discharged to the region’s waterways and Moreton Bay and treating it to a high quality to grow food, and a lot of it. It’s water that is currently being wasted that could be used to significantly enhance Queensland and the nation’s food security and deliver economic prosperity to the region for decades to come.

The initial offering to growers and industry closes 31 July 2026 when deposits are due.

Those still interested in securing a slice of the water security scheme can do so be contacting admin@lvandswatercollaborative.com.au

See link to the Mayors video announcing the outcome of the water sales process

NEW ECONOMIC BENEFITS REPORT PRESENTS A COMPELLING CASE

Our project has formally released its economic and other benefits report.

This goes to the heart of our compelling case to the Queensland and Commonwealth government for capital funding.

As we have previously shared, our water security scheme will increase horticulture production by $270 million annually.

This will take the total output from the region to $1.7 billion year on year and deliver significantly increased food security for our State and country.

It will be the largest recycled water irrigation scheme in Australia, significantly increasing water supply reliability and security to growers in the region for decades to come.

It will protect and secure almost 4000 fulltime and seasonal workers and create an additional 600 ongoing jobs.

As Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan has said “We are a region that when farmers do well our whole community benefits from our cafes and hotels to our retailers’’.

I encourage you to read and share the report and the compelling case it makes for the project.

ADVOCACY REMAINS A KEY FOCUS

Collaborative Chair Paul Lucas provides project update to QFF CEO Jo Sheppard

The timeline on the delivery of our Optimisation Assessment Report has been extended to August 2026. This will allow the project to include the outcome of the above water sales as evidence of grower commitment and investment.

We remain committed to delivering a “shovel ready’’ project for 2028 and securing the capital funding required. It should be noted, however, that this is entirely within the control of funding decisions of State and Federal governments.

What is in our control is to ensure we continue to engage with key stakeholders to build understanding, support and advocacy for our project.

To that end the project hosted its Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) over May. The SAG - which includes the Queensland Farmer’s Federation, Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Turf Qld, Greenlife Qld, Council of Mayors SEQ, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton and the University of Southern Qld – continues to contribute positively to our project. Their advocacy will be an important part of our compelling case to government.

Our Chair separately provided a project update to QFF CEO Jo Sheppard who continues to be strong supporter of the project.

Over July and August the Mayors will undertake the next round of Queensland ministerial briefings with the Chair undertaking similar briefings with relevant Commonwealth ministers.

On August 27 the project is planning a “drop in’’ session at Queensland Parliament to further promote the project and its benefits.

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 40 countries around the world use recycled water to supply agriculture, including Australia.

Work undertaken by Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) highlights the increase in the use of recycled water for both drinking and irrigation over the past 30 years across the globe.

While only about 20% of wastewater worldwide is treated, agricultural reuse represents the largest application, accounting for more than 90% of recycled water use.  According to WSAA, the potential for expansion is significant, particularly in regions facing water scarcity, as it improves yield, promotes sustainability and reduces environmental pollution. 

Snapshot of some of the countries

CSIRO backs leading edge water project

The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme has been singled out for its innovation to deliver long-term sustainable food security for South East Queensland (SEQ).

The South East Queensland Food System Strategy was developed in partnership with the CSIRO and the Council of Mayors SEQ to highlight innovative ideas and technologies to address food security, as the state deals with rapid population growth and major global events such as the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The report identifies water availability and climate risks as the major pressures facing the Lockyer Valley and Somerset region.

OUR COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

Our social media presence has been growing since we began posting about the project in September last year

Since launch, the campaign has continued to grow its presence across Facebook and LinkedIn, with a total of 77 content pieces delivered to date and achieving 316,196 total impressions or the number of times content is seen.

In May, we delivered four pieces of content on Facebook and four pieces of content on LinkedIn, achieving 11,369 impressions, 15,406 video views and a 5.7% engagement rate, those who viewed and re-posted content.

Note on LinkedIn, a high engagement rate is 5.2%, while on Facebook 1% is considered a good engagement rate. Our content is tracking above these benchmarks.

Our most successful post on Facebook in May was of Chef Sophie Litzow from Tins and Trays in Gatton. 

 Read the May Social Media Evaluation Report 

The LVSWSS forms part of the Water Initiatives in the Lockyer Valley commitment being delivered under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and the Council of Mayors SEQ, with 29 commitments being delivered to generate long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing region.

The Water Initiatives in the Lockyer Valley commitment is comprised of the LVSWSS and the SEQ Agricultural Water Assessment (SEQAgRWA), which is developing longer-term water security planning for the region. The LVSWSS is funded with contributions from the Australian Government of $10 million and Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Somerset Regional Council of $0.8 million. The Queensland Government has committed $2.5 million to the SEQAgRWA.