- The Queensland Budget has extended the 15 per cent irrigation water discount until 30 June 2025
- This discount is automatically applied for all irrigators in Sunwater and Seqwater schemes
- On top of the irrigation discount, $1.35 million has already been paid to Wide Bay Burnett horticulture growers, under the additional 35 per cent horticulture rebate
The Palaszczuk Labor Government is helping Wide Bay Burnett irrigators manage costs and supply chain pressures, by extending the 15 per cent irrigator discount until 2024‑25.
In the Queensland Budget handed down last week, $22.8 million was allocated to extend the discount another year. The discount is automatically applied to irrigators in Sunwater and Seqwater schemes.
Agriculture is one of Queensland’s most important industries, both in terms of jobs and value to the economy. Keeping irrigation prices down is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to regional economic development and to irrigators.
On top of the irrigation discount, the Palaszczuk Government has also delivered a 35 per cent horticulture rebate, which drives the cost of irrigation down even further for growers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
“This discount is slashing the cost of water for irrigators and, as we know, water is a significant input cost for agriculture.
“On the back of supply chain pressures over the past few years, the Palaszczuk Government is really delivering for the irrigators of the Wide Bay Burnett.
“The Palaszczuk Government is reducing costs to help irrigators maximise yield and farm capacity – in the long-term this means more jobs and more money spent locally.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith:
“Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy, and these measures are helping manage costs at a crucial time when supply chain issues, labour shortages and everyday cost-of-living pressures are adding to the burden of doing business.
“This is meaningful help when it is needed most.”
Quotes attributable Akers Farm Owner, Dean Akers:
“It’s great to hear this discount has been extended for another year.
“Every dollar back in the pockets of local growers like myself, can be put back into other areas of the business to maximise the yield.”
Further Information:
As at 31 March 2023, $1.35 million through the Horticulture Irrigation Pricing Rebate Scheme (administered by QRIDA) has been paid to eligible Wide Bay Burnett horticulture producers, including avocado, macadamia and sweet potato growers.
Horticulture growers will have until the end of 2024 to apply for the horticulture rebate for water used up to 30 June 2024.
The 35 per cent horticulture rebate is an additional measure on top of the 15 per cent irrigation price discount.
