100% GROUNDWATER ALLOCATIONS FOR BURDEKIN IRRIGATORS

Burdekin irrigators will have access to 100% groundwater entitlement for the 2008-2009 water year, confirming the Burdekin region’s reputation has having one of the best, most reliable water supplies in Queensland.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water (NRW) Craig Wallace said the entitlements were the result of a good seasonal recharge to groundwater aquifers and rising groundwater levels.

"Groundwater levels this year are generally above those recorded last year, which means we've been able to offer irrigators 100% announced entitlements for all management sub-areas," Mr Wallace said.

"The term 'announced entitlement’ refers to the percentage of a water user’s nominal entitlement within a water year.

"NRW calculates and announces this figure before the start of each water year, which in this case commences on July 1 and finishes on June 30 the following year.

“The announced water entitlements are only applicable to irrigation and industrial use. Pumping for stock water and household use is not subject to the announced entitlements."

The Burdekin has enjoyed 100% groundwater allocations each year over recent years.

Mr Wallace said the region had one of the most – possibly the most – reliable water supply in Queensland, including its proximity to Queensland’s largest dam, the Burdekin Falls Dam.

Mr Wallace has previously said that irrigators in North Queensland may be able to make up some of the shortfalls of food production in Australia due to disastrous drought in the foodbowl of the Murray Darling Basin.

Mr Wallace said irrigators within the declared area who required a volume of water additional to their annual entitlement had the opportunity to apply for an interim water permit.

“An application for a Water Permit will generally be granted only in management sub-areas where there is a need to mitigate the impacts of rising groundwater tables," he said.

"Growers should contact their local NRW office in Ayr for more information on the Water Permit guidelines”.

The Burdekin Groundwater Management Area covers the groundwater aquifers in the Burdekin River, Barratta Creek and Haughton River alluviums within the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme area.

SunWater is expected to announce allocations for surface water in the Burdekin in coming days.

Media contact: Paul Childs, Minister Wallace's office, 0407 131 654.