29 July 2016
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed the chair appointments of the eight local management irrigation schemes by the State Government.
The eight schemes include Emerald, Eton, St George, Theodore, Bundaberg, Burdekin-Haughton, Mareeba-Dimbulah and the Lower Mary.
The announcement comes off the back of the recently announced 2016-17 state budget commitment of a further $6.9 million to provide total funding of $8.9 million for Stage 3 of the Local Management Arrangements Project.
QFF President Stuart Armitage welcomed the appointments as the final step towards empowering Queensland’s agricultural communities with the control required to manage and grow the sector in their respective regions.
“All eight of the schemes fall within major intensive agricultural regions with the cotton, horticulture and sugar cane industries represented.”
“The local chair appointments are a culmination of over 2.5 years of local, industry and government cooperation and discussions. QFF and its member organisations have been integral in this process.”
“QFF have and continue to play a role in ensuring the State Government understands the importance of moving forward with the implementation of locally managed irrigation schemes.”
“QFF acknowledges the significant progress that has been made in establishing the individual Scheme Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), however there still one unresolved appointment.”
“The selection of the Chair of the 5th Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV5) remains a critical requirement and QFF will continue to work with the government to resolve this.”
“We look forward to working with the government and our member organisations to ensure the success and viability of these locally managed irrigation schemes and assist in the transition of the remaining irrigation schemes.”
“QFF commend the government for its continued support for locally managed viable agriculture into the future”.
Local Management Authority (LMA) Chairs
- Emerald – Annette Smith
- Eton – Geoff Kavanagh
- St George – Luke Stower
- Theodore – Elizabeth Alexander
- Bundaberg – Maurice Maughan
- Burdekin-Haughton – Mario Barbagallo
- Mareeba-Dimbulah – Joe Moro
- Lower Mary – Mr Geoff Wormwell
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