Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud is again calling on the Queensland Government to spring into action and extend the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme to permanent horticulture plantings.
“The ball is in the State Government’s court and it’s time they got it rolling,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This will allow growers with permanent horticulture plantings access the water-saving scheme.
“This will let growers of things like grapes and apples get up to 50 per cent back for water-saving projects like de-silting dams and running new poly pipe.
“The Queensland Government wrote to me agreeing to the extension last month but has dragged its heels to get it going.
“We’ve got money on the table ready to go now, we just need the green light.
“All it takes is a stroke of the pen to get the money flowing into cockies pockets.
“This will make a big difference for growers in drought.
“We need action now because growers are already pulling out permanent plantings.
“This will mean fewer backpackers in regional towns, who spend money at our local shops.
“If we don’t do something now this will cost local jobs and have a long-term impact on rural economies.”
