30 May 2017
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has thrown its support behind horticulture industry member Growcom’s calls for the Lockyer Valley water plan to properly consider the needs of both individual farmers and the sector more broadly.
The State Government is currently undertaking the process of trying to define water entitlements in the Central Lockyer Irrigation Scheme, one of two irrigation schemes in the region.
The move towards regulating the scheme has raised concerns amongst growers around properly assessing the value of existing bores and the potential to add new water sources into the scheme.
QFF president Stuart Armitage said that industry supports the State Government’s efforts to regulate water entitlements in the Lockyer Valley, as it was essential that the region had a viable and manageable system supporting agriculture into the future.
“That said, any regulation imposed on the Lockyer Valley must be done in a way that supports the region’s $250 million horticulture industry.”
“As one of the most fertile farming areas in Australia, the Lockyer Valley grows the most diverse commercial range of vegetables of any area in the country.”
“Horticultural production is the major economic mainstay in the Lockyer Valley so it is essential that we have a system that supports the viability and continued growth in the industry.”
“QFF will continue to work constructively alongside industry member Growcom, the Lockyer Valley Growers and the State Government as negotiations and opportunities are explored.”
“QFF continues to support State Government moves to modernise, regulate and monitor agricultural water usage in Queensland, as it delivers a more reliable and longer term solution to water use in irrigation schemes.”
“Access to affordable and reliable water is one of the most important factors within Queensland’s irrigated agricultural sector.”
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