The Hughenden Irrigation Project Corporation (HIPCo) was established in 2017 with the objective of identifying an appropriate dam site to support a viable irrigation scheme at Hughenden and developing a Preliminary Business Case (PBC) to secure funding for development of a Detailed Business Case (DBC)..

In November 2018, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Michael McCormack MP; committed over $426 million to a series of key water infrastructure projects in Queensland, including up to $182 million for the Hughenden Irrigation Project. This funding was secured with the support of local Member for Kennedy, Mr. Bob Katter.

In March 2019, the Federal Government announced that there would be a dedicated North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority (NQWIA) to provide the strategic planning and coordination needed to deliver water security and boost agriculture throughout the region. The NQWIA is responsible for ensuring ongoing engagement and coordination between HIPCo, government agencies and other northern Queensland water projects.

A Preliminary Business Case was completed in February 2020 and submitted to the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Deputy Prime Minister and the Hon Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

In May 2020, the Federal Government gave their support for progressing this project to the next stage, being the Detailed Business Case (DBC).

HIPCo Board Members


Jeff Reid (Chair)

Hay farmer at Hughenden for
30 years
Hay, cane, and cattle farmer in the Burdekin for 10 years


Mitchell Petrie
(Deputy Chair)

Extensive career advising on management, controls and risk of major projects across Australia, including 16 years as a partner of KPMG


Peter Borrows

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Managing Director from 2013 to 2015 and independent Board Director from 2015 to 2021. Former attendee National Irrigators Council and former CEO of Seqwater.


Greg Jones

Former Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor in the Flinders Shire Council with over 25 years in public office in the Hughenden and Flinders region


David McDougall

Board of Fairbairn Irrigation Network, 35 years’ as financial and economic advisor, previously a partner at a global consulting firm leading an Infrastructure Group in Queensland, expert at project finance


Governance