Improving how water is traded between farmers and other water users is one way to increase the efficient use of water for agriculture in South East Queensland. Water trading can allow farmers to get more value from their water, improve farm productivity, and support more resilient farming across the region.
What is water trading?
In Queensland, farmers and other water users can access water through licences known as water entitlements and allocations. Water users can sell or trade their allocation, either permanently or temporarily for a season.
Water trading is voluntary and gives people flexibility to use water where it is needed most, helping to make the best use of available water.
What would improvements involve?
- Make water trading simpler and easier to access.
- Help farmers trade water more confidently.
- Give farmers more control over their water use during dry times.
- Reduce water waste and make better use of existing water.
New platform
One option is a simple, mobile-friendly online platform. Features could include:
- interactive maps of water availability
- real-time data on usage and allocations
- instant alerts, eligibility checks, and trade updates
- a support team to help with trades and system questions
What does this mean for farmers?
- Better access to water - easier trading means more reliable access to water when farmers need it most.
- Financial benefits - sell unused water allocations or buy when short.
- Reduced drought stress - more flexibility in water use can help manage crops better during dry periods.
We are inviting feedback from farmers, industry, and the community to help shape the future of water for agriculture in SEQ. Consultation is open until 12 December 2025.
