Wet weather continues to deliver for Upper Condamine irrigators

The recent rain in the Upper Condamine region has provided local irrigators with some reasons to smile over the past few weeks and now Sunwater has given them even more reason to celebrate.

Due to recent rainfall, irrigators in the Upper Condamine region will have access to a significant portion of their water allocation for the first time since July 2017.

Minister for Water Glenn Butcher welcomed the news, saying it was huge boost for the local agricultural industry.

“The recent rainfall is great news for the Warwick community, and we are hopeful for more inflows in the coming weeks and months,” Mr Butcher said.

“After a prolonged period of dry conditions the recent wet weather has deliver inflows into Leslie Dam - near Warwick – increasing the dam’s capacity to 28.24 per cent from less than 12 per cent in late March.

“This means that Sunwater has advised irrigators with medium priority allocations they will now have access to 75 per cent of their allocation for the remainder of the water year, which runs to 30 June this year.

“Prior to the rainfall, with the dam levels so low, this allocation was at 0 per cent.

“Sunwater will work with irrigators to ensure releases to allocation owners can be coordinated to maximise delivery efficiency.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the water allocations would make a significant difference for the region’s farmers.

“So many of our farmers have done it tough for years through Queensland’s drought, so it warms the heart to see the irrigators rewarded for their patience,” Mr Furner said.

“This will be great for local producers, great for local jobs and great for the region’s economic recovery.”

High priority allocations - typically reserved for urban use, permanent cropping and industry - for the scheme remain at 100 per cent.

There is currently 30,005 megalitres in the dam and the medium priority allocation will be available as long as the dam’s supply level remains above 15,000 megalitres.

Beyond that point, water is reserved for urban water supply.

ENDS

Media contact: Minister Butcher – Daniel Lato 0438 830 201