Published Friday, 23 February, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
BEATTIE GOVERNMENT WINS FIGHT TO PROTECT QUEENSLAND FARMERS
The Beattie Government secured a major win for Queensland farmers in Canberra today, Premier Peter Beattie said.
Mr Beattie said it was one of several major concessions he had won from the Prime Minister under the new water management system in the Murray-Darling.
He said he had gone into today’s meeting with the Prime Minister and other affected State Premiers determined to ensure the rights of Queensland farmers and irrigators were protected.
“From day one I have argued that the interests of Queensland farmers must be recognised in any new system for management of water in the Murray-Darling,” Mr Beattie said.
“They are one of the groups most affected yet the Howard Government had forgotten them and the Queensland Nationals had also turned a blind eye.
“Earlier this month I met with representatives from a number of rural industry organisations including the Queensland Farmers Federation, Agforce, the Queensland Irrigators Council, Cotton Australia, and Canegrowers.
“I wanted to hear what they had to say and make sure they had a voice in this debate.
“As a result of our representations the Prime Minister agreed today to ensure entitlements in any draft water plans nearing finalisation could be issued subject to CSIRO urgently confirming this would not result in significant over allocations.
“This will ensure they have certainty under the new system and won’t be forced off their properties.”
Mr Beattie said the Prime Minster had also agreed to Queensland and South Australia’s request for an independent commission to manage the Murray-Darling Basin.
“All of the affected States will have a say on who sits on the Commission and this will help ensure the rights of each State are protected,” he said.
“In addition the Prime Minister agreed to our request for a review period of the new management system.
“After seven years we will have a look at it again to make sure it is working and to see where any improvements can be made if necessary.”
Mr Beattie said he was happy with the result of today’s meeting and was confident the new system for management of the Murray-Darling would ensure one of Australia’s most precious and valuable resources was protected for future generations.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Water and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland, Mr Craig Wallace, said he was particularly pleased the Prime Minister had given a commitment to examine proposals to divert water from North Queensland.
“By looking at options such as the Bradfield scheme we cannot only secure the future of the Murray-Darling but also help open up new opportunities for agricultural and resource development across Australia, including North Queensland,” Mr Wallace said.
23 February, 2007
Media contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said it was one of several major concessions he had won from the Prime Minister under the new water management system in the Murray-Darling.
He said he had gone into today’s meeting with the Prime Minister and other affected State Premiers determined to ensure the rights of Queensland farmers and irrigators were protected.
“From day one I have argued that the interests of Queensland farmers must be recognised in any new system for management of water in the Murray-Darling,” Mr Beattie said.
“They are one of the groups most affected yet the Howard Government had forgotten them and the Queensland Nationals had also turned a blind eye.
“Earlier this month I met with representatives from a number of rural industry organisations including the Queensland Farmers Federation, Agforce, the Queensland Irrigators Council, Cotton Australia, and Canegrowers.
“I wanted to hear what they had to say and make sure they had a voice in this debate.
“As a result of our representations the Prime Minister agreed today to ensure entitlements in any draft water plans nearing finalisation could be issued subject to CSIRO urgently confirming this would not result in significant over allocations.
“This will ensure they have certainty under the new system and won’t be forced off their properties.”
Mr Beattie said the Prime Minster had also agreed to Queensland and South Australia’s request for an independent commission to manage the Murray-Darling Basin.
“All of the affected States will have a say on who sits on the Commission and this will help ensure the rights of each State are protected,” he said.
“In addition the Prime Minister agreed to our request for a review period of the new management system.
“After seven years we will have a look at it again to make sure it is working and to see where any improvements can be made if necessary.”
Mr Beattie said he was happy with the result of today’s meeting and was confident the new system for management of the Murray-Darling would ensure one of Australia’s most precious and valuable resources was protected for future generations.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Water and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland, Mr Craig Wallace, said he was particularly pleased the Prime Minister had given a commitment to examine proposals to divert water from North Queensland.
“By looking at options such as the Bradfield scheme we cannot only secure the future of the Murray-Darling but also help open up new opportunities for agricultural and resource development across Australia, including North Queensland,” Mr Wallace said.
23 February, 2007
Media contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500