The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) alongside its peak industry body members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) and Canegrowers, have welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to extend a 15 percent rural irrigation price discount for the next two years.
The rural irrigation price setting is in keeping with the recommendation of the independent Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) and is available to primary producers accessing water from all 35 irrigation schemes across the state.
From 2025-26, the discount is only available by application for certified owner-operated irrigating farm businesses, with applications assessed under the administration of the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
Further eligibility information is available on the Business Queensland website. The scheme is set to launch from September 2025.
Growers and industry representatives with questions about the discount are advised to email irrigationpricing@rdmw.qld.gov.au for more information.
“QFF welcomes the decision to extend the 15 percent irrigator discount and appreciates the Crisafulli government and in particular Minister Leahy, for their commitment to working with QFF, our members and our water and energy policy committee to get this right for Queensland farmers,” said Jo Sheppard, CEO, Queensland Farmers’ Federation.
“It is well recognised that the state government has two distinct and impactful levers to pull in support of the state’s capacity to grow food – that being water and energy. QFVG applauds the Crisafulli government’s decision to extend the 15 percent discount to eligible irrigators as a way of supporting growers to manage their ever-increasing costs of production,” said Rachel Chambers, CEO, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers.
“We’ve been pushing hard for this, so it’s great to see the Crisafulli Government take the agriculture sector’s concerns on board and lock in the discount. It’ll give eligible growers some breathing room – especially in regions like the Burdekin, where water and power costs are already high and still rising. In some areas, we’ve seen water use fall as costs climb, which undermines productivity. With irrigation driving more than half of Queensland’s cane crop, getting the pricing settings right is crucial,” said Dan Galligan, CEO, CANEGROWERS.
“On behalf of Queensland Cotton farmers, we appreciate the discount being extended for another two years. There have been inefficiencies in the way Sunwater has operated and we feel this discount to eligible irrigators is appropriate and fitting. While we support the Government in its efforts to ensure only certified irrigators gain the assistance, we hope the new application process is simple as suggested and not overly demanding of growers,” said Michael Murray, General Manager, Cotton Australia.
Media contact:
Jak Kirwin, Acting Corporate Partnerships and Communications Manager, QFF
E: comms@qff.org.au
M: 0488 305 106