Advisory group to drive “once in a lifetime’’ water project

A new industry-led advisory group has been formed to drive a “once in a lifetime’’ water security project for the Lockyer Valley and Somerset region.

The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme is a joint venture between the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Councils, growers and industry within the region

The project is seeking to utilise the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme, built in response to the Millennium Drought to provide Purified Recycled Water to supplement South East Queensland’s (SEQ) drinking water in drought. To-date, the scheme has never been used for drinking water. Small volumes have been used to support industry. The project is seeking to expand industry use to agriculture.

The new Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) for the project includes the peak industry body for fruit, vegetable and nut growers, Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG), the industry association for greenlife growers and retail nurseries, Greenlife Industry Queensland, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Regional Development Australia Ipswich and West Moreton, and the Council of Mayors of SEQ (COMSEQ).

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said formation of the group around a modern initiative with solutions that meet a range of SEQ priorities was a significant step forward in the development of the most important economic infrastructure project for the region in decades.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said the SAG would play a critical role in helping to shape and best position the project positively with key stakeholders, significantly contributing towards the development of a highly valued, investment ready project.

The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative Chair Paul Lucas said the high calibre of membership reflected the significance of the project to the agriculture sector in Queensland, regional food security and the broader economy of SEQ and Queensland.

“We want to ensure that key decision makers, including the Commonwealth and the State, can be confident that this once in a lifetime project enjoys the support of key industry sectors,’’ Mr Lucas said.

QFVG Chief Executive Rachel Chambers said the project was about delivering future food security to SEQ and Queensland’s growing population. The Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions currently provide 40% of Queensland’s fresh produce and 5% of the nations.

“This is a food security project first and foremost and I applaud the project and the State Government for looking at innovative ways to utilise existing water infrastructure,’’ she said.

Greenlife Industry Queensland Chief Executive Colin Fruk said the establishment of the SAG and possible remobilisation of the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme could be a game-changing opportunity for Queensland’s nursery production sector.

“Access to a secure, climate-resilient water source, is critical to the long-term sustainability of our industry. Repurposing high-quality recycled water would not only reduce pressure on traditional water supplies but also helps future-proof our sector, boosting jobs, green infrastructure, and environmental outcomes across the state,” he said.

QFF Chief Executive Jo Sheppard said sustainable and reliable water supply was fundamental to the continued viability and growth of Queensland’s agriculture sector, and national food security.

“Water security and affordability is critical for the Government to deliver its commitment to boost the State’s agriculture production to $30 billion by 2030. This project is a great initiative that seeks to find solutions to safeguard the future of water in what is a very important region, not just for agriculture, but for consumers as well,’ she said.

The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme (LVSWSS) forms part of the Water Initiatives in the Lockyer Valley commitment being delivered under the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and the Council of Mayors (SEQ), with 29 commitments being delivered to generate long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing region.

The Water Initiatives in the Lockyer Valley commitment is comprised of the LVSWSS and the SEQ Agricultural Water Assessment (SEQAgRWA), which is developing longer-term water security planning for the region. The LVSWSS is funded with contributions from the Australian Government of $10 million and Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Somerset Regional Council of $0.8 million. The Queensland Government has committed $2.5 million to the SEQAgRWA.

The LVSWSS aims to provide the State and Commonwealth with an investment-ready scheme in 2026. The project will deliver multiple community and state co-benefits including a significant increase in state and regional food security, boost the Lockyer and Somerset agriculture sector to ne worth more than a $1 billion plus and deliver 2000 ongoing permanent jobs.

To find out more about the Water Collaborative, visit https://lvandswatercollaborative.com.au/