Few regions are as synonymous with horticultural production as the Lockyer Valley in Queensland’s south east. The region grows the most diverse commercial range of vegetables and fruit of any area in Australian worth over $250 million to the state economy. The region’s rich soil and reliable water quality as well as its proximity to local and export markets in Brisbane and Toowoomba has allowed Lockyer Valley to prosper as horticultural industries have grown.
The true value in the region’s horticultural production is underwritten by growers’ access to viable water for irrigation. This issue has come to the fore during the state government’s efforts to define water entitlements in the Central Lockyer Irrigation scheme, one of two irrigation schemes in the region.
From the outset, our growers have been questioning how the proposed regulation will benefit the irrigation scheme. Growcom members and community stakeholders have accurately identified two issues of importance in the Central Lockyer: properly assessing the worth and value of existing bores and the potential to add new water sources into the scheme.
There is also the issue of declining water quality which is limiting the use of water for irrigation in parts of the scheme.
The proposal to provide additional water through a water pipeline from Wivenhoe Dam will benefit growers in the Central Lockyer Scheme and the Lockyer Valley to make better use of existing entitlements and expand irrigation production. It is for this reason that the initiative has the support of the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Councils.
It is reassuring to have Natural Resources and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham assure growers all issues raised in regard to the regulation plan will be fully investigated by the government.
Growcom will continue to work constructively alongside Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) as these negotiations and opportunities are explored. Lockyer Valley growers can be assured that Growcom and QFF will continue to represent their interests throughout the government’s process to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome is delivered for members and industry.
