The Coalition today announced over $5 million to fast-track feasibility studies into new and augmented water storages and irrigation development across Kennedy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce made the announcement today as part of a $150 million funding commitment to fast-track the feasibility assessment and construction of water infrastructure across Queensland.
Minister Joyce announced $1.765 million to investigate a new water storage for North West Queensland, $400,000 to complete the business case on raising the wall of the Burdekin Falls Dam, $750,000 to undertake a feasibility assessment of irrigation development in the Southern Atherton Tablelands and $2.2 million for a feasibility study on the Hell’s Gate Dam proposal.
LNP candidate for Kennedy Jonathan Pavetto said that new water storage in western Queensland could open opportunities for broadacre cropping, new agriculture such as cotton farming and intensification of cattle farming.
"Water storage of this kind could give this region the ability to integrate year-round irrigated grass fodder crops and large-scale finishing properties for meat processing of up to 250,000 cattle a year, while increasing water security for Cloncurry and Mt Isa," Mr Pavetto said.
"On the other side of the electorate, the Southern Atherton Tablelands irrigation development study will investigate the feasibility of developing a network of irrigation channels to supply water to good quality agricultural land around Atherton and the Barron River catchment.
"It will also provide answers on the feasibility of three dam storages on the upper and middle reaches of the Herbert River and the Millstream, and look into whether these multi-purpose dams could provide irrigation supply, hydro-electricity power and flood mitigation in the lower Herbert River reaches."
Mr Pavetto said he was also excited to hear Minister Joyce’s commitment to provide $2.2 million to undertake a feasibility study of the Hell’s Gate Dam proposal.
"If the Hell’s Gate Dam goes ahead it will provide water security for places like Charters Towers and larger rural centres like Townsville.
"And let’s not forget, water storage in this part of Queensland is also very important for securing water for potential new resource projects, helping to create even further jobs and growth."
Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan said Northern Australia has huge untapped potential.
"Northern Australia has 17 million hectares of arable soil and receives 60 per cent of the nation’s rainfall — of which we use less than 2 per cent," Minister Canavan said.
"We need to build dams to develop the north. Water is life up here. Water brings industry, jobs, growth and, most of all, people. Our plan will deliver jobs and growth for the north but it is also important for the rest of the country. When our north grows, so does the rest of Australia."
"There’s never been a shortage of people talking about developing northern Australia. This Government is acting. The reality is that unless you lay the groundwork through proper feasibility work not one sod of earth will ever be turned."
Minister Joyce said the Coalition was delivering on its $2.5 billion commitment to building the water infrastructure of the future.
"It’s the right time for our significant investment in water infrastructure. A transitioning economy and growing global demand for agrifood products mean this is a time of unprecedented opportunity for our agriculture sector," he said.
"As the economy transitions and diversifies, agricultural exports are playing a more important role than ever in our nation’s economy and prosperity. Rural exports have already overtaken coal to become our second-largest export after iron ore.
"The Coalition is taking action by carrying out the most significant investment in infrastructure in Australian history, including through the roll-out of our $15 billion water reform agenda, so we can make the most of these opportunities.
"From water infrastructure, to transport infrastructure and digital infrastructure, the Coalition is laying the foundations to support a productive and profitable agriculture sector, and a strong national economy."