Water release delivers boost to Stanthorpe irrigators

A release of unallocated water from the Accommodation and Pike creeks in the Stanthorpe region has delivered a boost for 24 local farmers and irrigators.

The release of 1060ML of unallocated water provides an opportunity for the irrigators to improve water security through storage of water on their property and increase farming production levels.

Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said that the water entitlements would be accessed from surface water runoff following any significant rainfall in the local region.

“Queensland has an economic plan for recovery and releasing this additional water will give water users in the area the resources they need to grow their businesses, create new jobs and recover from the impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Butcher said.

“By making water available before any significant rainfall events, we are ensuring that businesses can prepare for future wet seasons and quickly access water when appropriate flow volumes occur and within conditions on the water licences.”

Mr Butcher said that the additional surface water take would have no impact on urban water supplies in the region.

“The water made available is unable to be used for town drinking water given the location of where it is being released from,” he said.

“The water has already been accounted for in the water planning process for irrigation use and is within sustainable usage limits.

“I am really pleased we have been able to release this water because I know just how tough it has been for local irrigators in the area given the historically low rainfall in the region.

“I’m glad local growers have been able to make the most of the additional water released through this process.”

The 1060 megalitres of surface water reserved from Accommodation and Pike Creeks, south-west of Stanthorpe, was available through a competitive tender process and achieved almost 100 per cent take-up.

For further information about the unallocated surface water release visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/water-plan-areas/border-rivers-moonie

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Media contacts:

Minister Butcher – Daniel Lato - 0438 891 158