The South East Queensland Agriculture Regional Water Assessment (SEQ Ag RWA) area spans a diverse and rapidly growing part of Queensland that includes the major population centres of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, as well as surrounding rural areas such as the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs, and Moreton Bay regions.

Farmers manage approximately 80% of South East Queensland’s land. The region supports a diverse mix of agricultural production including fruit and vegetables, livestock, wool, milk, eggs and nursery products. The region contributed around AUD $2.78 billion to the Australian economy in 2020-21 (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

South East Queensland’s agricultural economy is characterised by a wide range of high-value, intensive farming systems including horticulture, dairy, poultry, and irrigated cropping. The region is a key contributor to Queensland’s food production, particularly for perishable and fresh produce supplying both domestic and export markets. Proximity to major population centres and transport infrastructure enhances market access but also places pressure on land and water resources. Agriculture in SEQ is reliant on a complex mix of surface water storages, groundwater sources, and recycled water, with water security and climate variability posing ongoing challenges.

Agricultural water demand in South East Queensland is expected to rise over coming decades, influenced by changing land use, population growth, and climate conditions.