The Queensland government has revealed its plan to build a new desalination plant to bolster the water supply in the state's south-east.
The opposition has mocked the idea, with the plant not set to be built for another 12 years as Queensland's dams face prolonged dry spells.
It also currently lacks a location or business case.
The government has said the south-east needs another desalination plant, similar to the one at Tugun that takes the salt out of seawater to secure a long-term drinking supply.
It will be built on the Sunshine Coast but exactly where won't be known until 2025 after the next election.
The project is estimated to cost between $4 billion and $8 billion depending on the size of the plant.
The project is estimated to cost between $4 billion and $8 billion depending on the size of the plant.
"One of the options that has been mooted is Kawana," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
"Now that's not definitive, but it is one option that is on the table."
A benefit of desalination is the plant would be that it could be turned on and off as required.
A downside is predictions it could lead to water bills increasing by 15 per cent.
