The North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority is committed to supporting the Australian Governments’ vision for the development of Northern Australia through the progression of nationally significant water infrastructure projects.

As the Australian Government’s dedicated water infrastructure agency for North Queensland, the Authority’s role is to:

• Provide strategic planning and coordination of Commonwealth resources to implement the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme project and the Hells Gates Dam Scheme (including Big Rocks Weir) project.
• Coordinate information sharing among relevant regulatory authorities necessary to implement the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme project and the Hells Gates Dam Scheme (including Big Rocks Weir) project.
• Provide advice to the Minister on the progress of the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme and the Hells Gates Dam Scheme (including Big Rocks Weir) project.

Undertake other relevant tasks as the Minister may require from time to time.

From 19 September 2019 the Authority’s scope of responsibilities was amended by the responsible Minister to focus on the Hughenden Irrigation Scheme and the Hells Gates Dam (incl Big Rocks Weir) Scheme. On 9 May 2020, the Deputy Prime Minister approved the Authority to commence the Western Queensland Irrigation and Agriculture Scheme Assessment project.

The Authority works collaboratively with stakeholders, Local Governments and the Queensland Government to progress the feasibility and planning activities, including the development of business cases, related to major water infrastructure initiatives eligible to receive Australian Government funding from the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund. The Authority also coordinates the provision of info projects within its scope.