Media Releases
Sustainability of the Condamine Alluvium on the agenda at information sessions

Media statement from QFF, Central Downs Irrigators Limited (CDIL) and Cotton Australia (CA):

Farmers within the Condamine Alluvium Aquifers are being encouraged to attend information sessions next week about water recovery under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

The information sessions, facilitated by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and member organisations Central Downs Irrigators Limited (CDIL) and Cotton Australia (CA), will explain a proposal that offers entitlement holders a high degree of water licence certainty following market-based payments for their water.

The Murray Darling Basin Plan requires 40,400ML of nominal entitlement to be recovered from the total 86,600ML entitlement in the Central Condamine Alluvium. To date, just over 3,000ML has been recovered through the previous five tender rounds.

CDIL Chair and farmer Lindsay Krieg strongly encouraged farmers within the affected region to attend one of the information sessions as their input to the continued water recovery process was essential.

“The proposal that will be discussed protects farmers from further reductions in their entitlement and allows all or part of an entitlement to be sold,” said Mr. Krieg.

“For the first time, it will also enable farmers to participate in a groundwater-focused Healthy Headwaters Irrigation Water Use Efficiency Program.

“This is an industry led proposal with support from the Federal and State Governments. However, without farmers understanding and agreeing to the proposal’s aims and methods it will not get off the ground.

“It is important entitlement holders are fully engaged in this process, as we reduce groundwater use in the Central Condamine Alluvium to ensure its long term sustainability.”

Information sessions details:

• Cecil Plains Hall, Wednesday 27 September 2017 at 2 pm
• Dalby BMO Offices, Thursday 28 September 2017 at 9 am
• Pittsworth Motor Inn, Thursday 28 September 2017 at 3 pm
• Felton Hall, Friday 29 September 2017, at 9am

State and Federal Government representatives will also be at these meetings to answer any questions.

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