Livingstone Takes a Stand to Secure Independent Water Future

Published on 17 October 2025

Livingstone Shire Council has agreed to finalise a new bulk water supply agreement with Sunwater, securing the Shire’s long-term water future and providing price stability for residents over the next decade and beyond.

Mayor Adam Belot said the new agreement was the result of careful and considered negotiations and ensures there will be no immediate significant change to water pricing for Livingstone residents, with the deal matching the rates previously set under the Rockhampton arrangement.

“This new agreement delivers security, stability, and confidence for our community,” Mayor Belot said.

“Through constructive and professional negotiations with Sunwater, Council has achieved a fair and sustainable outcome that safeguards Livingstone’s water supply and ensures price continuity for our residents.”

Mayor Belot said that while Rockhampton Regional Council this week resolved to be open to further negotiations, the Sunwater deal represented greater security and price stability for Livingstone Shire residents, which made Sunwater an obvious choice as a partner for the delivery of raw water allocations for the region.

“We appreciate Mayor Williams and the Rockhampton Regional Council team signalling their willingness to revisit this issue, but with all the information and history available to us, we have acted decisively to secure a water supply arrangement that provides certainty for our residents and businesses.”

Mayor Belot said it was important to acknowledge that Livingstone had only been placed in this difficult position because of Rockhampton Regional Council’s earlier decision to withdraw from the existing bulk water supply agreement.

“This situation was not of Livingstone’s making,” Mayor Belot said.

“Rockhampton’s decision to end the current water arrangement created significant uncertainty for our community and forced Livingstone to take proactive steps to secure our own water future. We have acted responsibly and decisively in response to that reality.”

The new arrangement with Sunwater provides access to Livingstone’s existing 4000 megalitre allocation from Rookwood Weir, ensuring long-term control and independence over the Shire’s water supply.

Mayor Belot also reiterated that the ongoing challenges between neighbouring Councils underline the need for a more coordinated and impartial approach to regional water management.

“Today’s outcome is a positive step forward, and I extend my sincere thanks to our local member Nigel Hutton, Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, and Minister Ann Leahy, for their ongoing support in strengthening Livingstone’s long-term water security,” he said.

“However, this process has again highlighted the need for the Queensland Government to take leadership in creating an independent, regionally focused water authority.

“It’s no secret that Rockhampton and Livingstone have approached regional priorities differently in the past, but essential services like water should never be used as a bargaining chip between Councils.

“A dedicated regional water authority would ensure fair, transparent, and secure management of this critical resource — for the benefit of all Central Queensland communities.

“Livingstone has now secured its immediate water future, but the broader issue of how regional water is governed must still be addressed.”