PROSERPINE SUGAR MILL LEADS BY EXAMPLE

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace and Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt today congratulated Proserpine Co-operative Sugar Mill for working with the Queensland Government to successfully develop a plan which makes the best possible use of available water for irrigation.

The Proserpine Co-operative Sugar Mill, a largely grower-owned organisation, has obtained an approved Land and Water Management Plan from the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) for land where it intends to grow sugarcane.

Ms Jarratt commended the mill on its actions.

“The Proserpine Co-operative Sugar Mill is showing it is using irrigation water in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way,’’ Ms Jarratt said.

“It’s great to see a local company implementing innovative and forward thinking processes and I’m pleased the Proserpine Co-operative has been recognised for its efforts.”

Mill company secretary Ian McBean said the Proserpine Co-operative was a strong advocate for the adoption of best management practice in the sugar industry.

Mr McBean said it had developed and introduced several incentive schemes designed to encourage the adoption of best practice at the farm level.

“The primary objective is to maximise farm viability and sustainability while delivering off-farm benefits,’’ Mr McBean said.

“Land and water management plans contribute to maximising on-farm and off-farm benefits in the short and long term by improving access to, and utilisation, of water for irrigation purposes.’’

Mr McBean said it was important for industry and other landholders to have these plans to help deliver off-farm benefits as part of responsible agriculture.

The co-operative’s plan, submitted voluntarily, demonstrates the mill management’s commitment to sustainably managing its natural resources.

Minister Wallace said the management plans encouraged landholders to examine all aspects of their irrigation enterprise to determine where improvements could be made and to help minimise any negative off-site impacts.

“Irrigators are required to detail intended farm practices which help achieve efficient water use and avoid degradation of natural resources,’’ Mr Wallace said.

Property-based land and water management plans are required under the Water Act 2000 for all new or additional water allocations being used for irrigation in Queensland. The concept was first introduced in 1997 and is now well established in all areas of Queensland where water resource operations plans are in place.

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.