In a first for Queensland, 90,000 megalitres of water – the equivalent of 36,000 Olympic pools – will be made available to irrigators along the Dawson River, to drive economic opportunities in central Queensland.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham is strongly encouraging farmers in the Central Highlands and Banana Shire Council areas to take up this unique opportunity to access water temporarily available for the next three years.
“This water release has been made possible because the Palaszczuk Government made changes to the Water Act allowing temporary access to strategic water infrastructure reserves,” Dr Lynham said.
“Up to 200 irrigators, which include large scale, cotton, beef, grain and fodder irrigators, for the first time will have the opportunity to tap into strategic water infrastructure reserves as part of this pilot project.
“Farmers will get the water at a fixed price, allowing them to further grow, and secure their operations,” Dr Lynham said.
“Temporary access to this strategic water infrastructure reserve will help boost agricultural industry in central Queensland with flexible water management opportunities and bring economic development and jobs that will flow from it.
“The decision to release this strategic water infrastructure reserve is the result of extensive consultation and collaboration with the local community.”
Dr Lynham said that while we have made the decision to release this strategic water reserve it is not at the expense of the environment – environmental flows will remain to support the health of the river system.
“The success of this pilot water release could pave the way for future releases in other areas across the state.”
Users interested in accessing water temporarily from this reserve can provide a submission to the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.
