Farmers and industry in the Lockyer Valley have a further opportunity to have their say on the Moreton Water Plan draft amendment.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said community consultation formed an integral part of any water planning process.
“Following extensive grassroots engagement, my Department reworked the plan based on feedback provided by those directly affected – those who know their water best,” Dr Lynham said.
“The Palaszczuk Government understands that water plans don’t work off a one-size-fits-all approach.
“The changes have taken a new approach to determining water volumes for groundwater entitlements.
“The new amendment proposes to convert 149 groundwater licenses, 112 surface water interim allocations and two authorisations held by Seqwater into volumetric water allocations – providing further clarity to farmers and industry on how much water they are entitled.
“Farmers in the Central Lockyer also told us the current yearly water structure wasn’t working, so it has been aligned with the calendar year.
“We made that change in order to streamline business planning and make yearly preparation easier for irrigators in the Central Lockyer.
“We’ve heard the community’s advice and taken their recommended approach to ensure fairness and equity in setting volumetric limits for groundwater allocations in the Central Lockyer area.
“When finalised, the amendment to the Moreton Water Plan will provide Central Lockyer Valley farmers and industry with certainty on their water rights and a water market that will drive new growth opportunities.”
The consultation period will close on the October 1, 2019, and the community is being urged to make submissions and provide feedback.
Once complete, DNRME will finalise the water plan amendment by the end of 2019.
