Final calls for growers to be part of Queensland’s water project
More than 160 growers attended forums in early April to be part of Queensland’s most exciting water project in decades, with final calls being made to those yet to come forward.
The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme (LVSWSS) held forums in Coominya and Gatton to start locking in the scheme’s foundation customers.
The LVSWSS is seeking to construct a 200km purpose-built pipeline to connect into the existing Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme and deliver 22,000ML annually for the region. The new scheme will deliver a 50 per cent increase in irrigation water for the region.
Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan and Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt attended both forums and said it was now time for growers to lock-in their preferred water allocation from the scheme.
“We had a fantastic number of growers attend our recent forums, and to secure this once-in-a-lifetime project, we now need our growers to tell us how much water they want through this project,” Mayor Milligan said.
“We need to be able to demonstrate to the state and federal governments that we have strong support for our scheme to secure the capital investment we need to build it.
“We’re also urging growers who haven’t contacted the project yet or need more information, to get in touch so they don’t miss out on securing their water future.”
Mayor Wendt said agriculture was the lifeblood of the region, and reliable water means farmers can plan with confidence.
“We have the essentials: some of the best soils in Australia and the world, a highly skilled workforce and an ideal growing climate. What’s holding us back and our biggest risk into the future isn’t land or expertise - it’s access to highly reliable irrigation water,” Mayor Wendt said.
“The aim of the scheme is to deliver reliable and resilient water supply for farmers at a price they can afford and deliver prosperity to our communities for decades to come.
“Reliable water means farmers can plan and plant with confidence. The truth is when our farmers are doing well, our communities thrive.”
For more details about the first stage of water sales and the project itself, visit lvandswatercollaborative.com.au or contact 0488 089 532.
The LVSWSS forms part of the Water Initiatives in the Lockyer Valley commitment being delivered under the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal. The SEQ City Deal is a partnership by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors for South East Queensland.
