Speak now: Farmers asked about Burdekin water
Published Wednesday, 30 September, 2020 at 12:47 PM
Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham
North Queensland farmers are being asked what water they need to grow their businesses and jobs as part of the business case for raising the Burdekin Falls Dam.
Building Queensland and Sunwater kicked off a 30-minute online survey today.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the survey was critical to determining how much water was required to meet future demand – essential information for the wall-raising.
“Queensland has an economic plan for post COVID recovery, and it is built on our traditional strengths like agriculture,” he said.
“The plan prioritises growing our regions and supporting the agriculture sector to drive economic prosperity.
“Water supply security can translate to more farm businesses, higher intensity farming and increased production – which in turn fosters more jobs.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart encouraged NQ farmers to complete the survey.
“I encourage current and potential water users to contribute, particularly anyone who is looking at potentially expanding or changing operations,” he said.
“Your input will help establish how much water is needed, and that’s critical for decisions about the dam wall, and our region’s economic future.
“The Government has invested $1.2 billion in water infrastructure since 2017, including $30 million into Big Rocks Weir in the North and an expert panel to examine a potential Bradfield-style scheme.
“The Burdekin Falls Dam raising is the next big cab off the rank for water infrastructure in the North, and it’s critical that NQ provides full and accurate data fora the business case.”
The confidential survey asks participants to identify their location, current and future potential crops, how much water they are using now and how much they think they might need in the future.
The survey also tests how demand might change under different pricing models.
The 30-minute survey will be open for a month until 30 October at:
- and in paper copies in Ayr at:
- Burdekin Shire Council – 145 Young St.
- Lower Burdekin Water – 112 Airdmillan Road
- Kalamia Cane Growers – 140 Young St
- Burdekin Canegrowers – 141 Young St
- Pioneer Canegrowers – 142 Young St
- Invicta Canegrowers – 54 Queen St
- Burdekin Delta Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Inc - 70 Railway Street
- BRIA Irrigators Ltd - 43 Old Clare Road
[ENDS]