FARM PLAN COUNTS EVERY DROP AND MAKES EVERY DROP COUNT

A Mackay district canegrower has become the area’s pioneer in developing a plan in conjunction with the Queensland Government to make the best possible use of his irrigation water.

Water Minister Craig Wallace said Eton canegrower Ray Abela was the first irrigator in the district to obtain an approved Land and Water Management Plan (LWMP) from the Department of Natural Resources and Water.

Mr Wallace said it demonstrated Mr Abela was using irrigation water in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way

“Mr Abela was required to prepare a LWMP after purchasing additional water entitlements to irrigate cane on his property,” Mr Wallace said.

LWMPs are required before landholders can use a newly acquired water allocation for irrigation purposes and they are also needed for seasonal assignments, if the water use exceeds the landholder’s nominal volume in any two out of three consecutive water years.

Mr Abela, who farms 82 hectares, said these plans would help make sure people were using their resources properly.

“I’m on the ball trying to keep on top of things and this plan will help with things like monitoring nutrient run-off on my farm and understanding the water holding capabilities of my soil,” Mr Abela said.

“These can help prove that you’re using water efficiently and managing to apply that to your farm.’’

Mackay-based NRW natural resource management officer Alison Hambleton said the plan took into consideration a farm’s landscape features, soil types, irrigation water quality, irrigation methods and management practices.

“As part of the plan, landholders are asked to provide information on attributes of their farm and management practices that minimise the risk of adverse environmental impacts,” Ms Hambleton said.

“For example, tailwater run-off may present a risk to water quality in receiving waters, but a landholder may demonstrate that he is minimising this risk by capturing water in recycle pits.

“LWMPs are really about assisting landholders to achieve industry best management practice.

“Of course, the higher the risk, the more information the grower should provide to demonstrate that they are managing the risk.”

NRW has been working with the Bureau Sugar Experimentation Service (BSES) to run workshops about LWMPs for growers.

Growers are provided maps for recording property information such as farm infrastructure, drainage pathways and irrigation systems.

Electronic copy of photographs of Mr Abela on his farm available on request.

Media contact: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’ office on 3896 3694 or 0414 213 954.