South East Queensland: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

  • Annual rainfall in South East Queensland during 2023–24 was slightly above average, primarily due to above-average rainfall from November to April.
  • Total storage volume increased by 7.3% across South East Queensland during the reporting year, finishing at 83.4% full on 30 June 2024.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use in South East Queensland was 383 GL, around 5% more than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

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1,098 mm

3% above the average of 1,061 mm

Streamflow

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below average

for most of the year

Storage

Storage icon

83.4% full

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7.3% more than last year

Water use from all sources

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the South East Queensland region. A total of 393 GL of water was used in the region in 2023–24. Surface water made up 93% of total water sourced. Groundwater made up 5% and desalinated water 2% of total water sourced.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the South East Queensland region. A total of 393 GL of water was supplied to users in 2023–24. Approximately, 90% of total water supply was for the urban system and 10% was for individual users.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

6,752 GL

surface water available in 2023–24

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72% more than last year

Water accessible

447 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2023–24

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13% less than last year

Water taken

383 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken in 2023–24

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5% more than last year