Emerald producers will have greater influence over water prices and overhead costs as the region's irrigation scheme transfers from SunWater to local management.
The Fairbairn Irrigation Network this week took over the management of the Emerald distribution scheme.
Fairbairn Irrigation Network chair Anne Marie O'Callaghan said the completion of the transfer was "excellent news".
"It's a great opportunity for customers to take over management and really control water distribution prices and costs, with a greater say in asset renewal and how we move forward.
"In the initial period it should be business as usual, but moving forward we will ensure that all revenue is being invested in the scheme and that we manage prices and keep them under control while making sure assets are upgraded."
One of the network's aims would be to minimise the trajectory of future water price increases, Ms O'Callaghan said.
"Also it's an opportunity to look at developing the scheme, building more capacity and delivering more water, which is in the interests of the customers and the community."
"We've modelled the budget over 30 years, and the aim is to minimise the trajectory of price increases. We have greater control over that and overheads."
Queensland Farmers' Federation president Stuart Armitage said the arrangement would improve transparency and accountability.
"The local management arrangement has benefits for both irrigators and the local community by delivering the best outcomes in service levels and the distribution price of irrigation water while improving transparency and accountability," he said.
"Local irrigators now have direct responsibility and control of key water infrastructure comprising of 126 kilometres of pipelines and channels, and distribution to around 150 customers irrigating 15,000 hectares of land."
