Greater certainty and security for Lockyer Valley water users

Published Monday, 05 November, 2018 at 02:00 PM

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Landholders in the Central Lockyer Valley Water Supply Scheme will have the opportunity to provide formal feedback to the proposed Moreton Water Plan.

Proposed changes will offer more certainty and stability for water users.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said amendments to the Moreton Water Plan allow for water sharing between entitlement holders during dry conditions.

“All year DNRME officers have been meeting with local farmers and landholders to better understand their water management concerns and talk through the proposed changes to the plan to address them.

“One of the most important changes that has been discussed with landholders in the lead up to these proposed changes is that it converts the current historic water entitlements to ‘volumetric water allocations’.

By quantifying the volume of water that can be used, landholders know their water rights and their share of the resource.

The process has been undertaken across the state with the Central Lockyer Valley Water Supply Scheme, one of only two irrigation water supply schemes in Queensland (the other being Three Moon Creek near Monto) still operating under interim arrangements that do not allow for water management strategies such as water trading.

“This is important because it provides more transparency when trading water and will provide water users with more flexibility in managing the water needs of their business.

“It also will provide a strong platform for any future new sources of water to grow the economy of the region.

“I want to assure all local landholders that under the proposed amendments, the amount of water the landholder will receive will be established in very close consultation with individual entitlement holders.

“As part of this consultation, water entitlements will be informed by historical water use, the current needs of the individual, and an independent socio-economic assessment.

“I believe that these changes will provide a fair allocation, and a clearer direction for all users in the region and it will help future industry to thrive,” Dr Lynham said.

A consultation drop-in centre located at the Gatton Research Centre will be open on the 20, 21, 27 and 28 November. Members of the community are invited to visit between 12-7pm to discuss the draft amendments.

To make a formal submission to proposed changes to the Moreton Water Plan, visit www.business.qld.gov.au before 5pm 18 January 2019.

 

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