Nigel Burnett, chairman of Cotton Australia, indicated that the 2024/25 water allocation of 30% from Fairbairn Dam for irrigators was anticipated and should not impede the planting of irrigated cotton in Emerald. Despite the reduced allocation, Burnett is optimistic that the combination of the announced allocation and carryover water will allow for full capacity planting. Sunwater, managing the allocations, is operating with a 36% water level in Fairbairn Dam and is hopeful for increased inflows. Water allocations in regional Queensland are determined by formulas in each water supply scheme's Resource Operations License, considering factors like evaporation and environmental flows. Medium Priority water allocations, mainly for agriculture, are less reliable than High Priority allocations, which are more dependable and cater to town water supply and industrial use.