Water
To remain competitive in export markets and ensure food security and affordability for domestic consumers, farm input costs — especially water — must be addressed. Excessive costs, inefficiency of supply and uncertainty in pricing are undermining investment and confidence in agriculture.
Water planning, policy and regulation must strike the right balance: giving agriculture access to efficient, affordable and reliable water, while implementing complimentary and effective environmental measures.
QFF advocates for a coordinated and consultative approach that supports the existing requirements of Queensland agriculture and enables future growth.
QFF develops water policy through our Water and Energy Policy Committee (WPEC). The purpose of WEPC is to ensure Queensland’s agriculture sector is aware of current and future matters (including policy and regulation) pertaining to water and energy and can operate sustainably going forward.
Our areas of focus
Improving water affordability and accessibility
Our focus is to:
- secure affordable water prices for Sunwater and the Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority (Seqwater) schemes, including extensions to irrigator discounts to support farm business viability
- advocate that the government facilitate temporary water trading to increase flexibility and efficiency.
Investing in water infrastructure and modernisation
Our focus is to:
- advocate for the recognition and funding of dam safety as a public benefit, including the restoration of Paradise Dam to ensure water security during its reconstruction
- encourage the goverment to address strategic challenges in bulk water supply, including infrastructure protection and modernisation.
Driving sustainable and strategic water management
Our focus is to:
- work with government to identify strategic opportunities for new water to support the future growth of agriculture
- advocate against further water recovery in the Murray–Darling Basin and invest in complementary environmental measures
- deliver on-farm water efficiency projects
- develop policies for the sustainable reuse of water from sewage treatment plants for agriculture
- work with government to optimise access to reserves and unused allocations in water plans for future projects
- advocate for the continuation of lower bound water pricing to ensure only efficient costs are passed on to irrigators.
Our water submissions
Our water team
Dr Alicia Kennedy is QFF’s General Manager for Water and Energy, leading strategic initiatives that enhance the affordability, security and sustainability of water and energy for Queensland agriculture.
With more than 20 years’ professional experience, Alicia has worked across land and water research, government policy, community engagement, industry leadership and advocacy. She is passionate about collaborating with industries, research organisations, governments and communities to identify practical, evidence-based solutions to complex challenges.
Alicia oversees QFF’s member services and industry representation across both water and energy portfolios, engaging with state and national stakeholders to address system inefficiencies, support innovation, and drive improved outcomes for farmers and rural communities.
Jo Martin is QFF’s Water Policy Advisor, leading policy development, analysis, and advocacy across Queensland’s water sector. She works closely with industry, government, and technical experts to promote fair, efficient and sustainable water management frameworks that support the long-term productivity and resilience of Queensland’s farming businesses.
With experience spanning water planning, regulation, and strategy, Jo provides clear, evidence-based advice to inform QFF’s policy positions and submissions. Her work focuses on ensuring farmers have access to secure, reliable and affordable water resources, while navigating emerging issues such as climate variability, metering and measurement reforms, and infrastructure investment.
Jo is committed to building constructive relationships that bring together producers, peak bodies, and government agencies, helping shape practical policy solutions that reflect on-farm realities.