October 31, 2018
The LNP fears the State Government’s move to refer irrigation pricing to the Queensland Competition Authority could end up costing farmers a lot more for water.
The Opposition says the referral lays the foundations for dam safety and flood mitigation costs to be passed on to farmers.
Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Dale Last said he was extremely concerned these costs could be directly passed on to irrigating farmers through steep price increases for water.
“Given the significant dam safety costs in the pipeline for particular regional irrigation schemes, there will be significant price increases that will put in jeopardy the future of irrigation in those regions,” Mr Last said.
“The Liberal National Party is calling on Labor to rule out passing these costs on to farmers.
“This Labor Government is so anti-farmer it is looking to include ballooning costs like dam safety and flood mitigation that will put the cost of water out of reach for our farm businesses.”
- Related article: Irrigation Costs To Be Reviewed
