September 22, 2020
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says the Labor Government’s announcement last week that Barambah Creek farmers now have water security is nothing but fake news.
Mrs Frecklington said some local farmers from the Barambah Creek Groundwater sub-areas had actually been given reduced water licence volumes after negotiations with the Department of Natural Resources.
“These negotiations with the Department have been taking place since 2017, but it appears the method used by the government to calculate the entitlements has not delivered a fair result,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It became obvious that cracks started to appear in this process in late 2019 when several producers approached me with their concerns.
“So it is very disappointing that the Minister thinks these licences give people confidence to expand their businesses as it is completely false.
“In fact, some of the entitlements do not allow for the current sustainability of their farming business, let alone the growth of that business.
“This is extremely concerning, as this area through Mondure, Wheatlands, Byee and Wooroonden is an important part of the South Burnett economy and an extremely productive and fertile area.
“It is very concerning that after such a long time negotiating these licences with the government that many farmers are not getting a fair deal.
“I would call on the Minister to urgently reconsider the allocations for those who are disappointed with their outcome.
“The LNP is the only party in Queensland that has a plan to create new water infrastructure throughout the State, including the New Bradfield Scheme.
“As well as building more water infrastructure, the LNP will also slash the price of water from July 1, 2021 for the more than 5,000 SunWater irrigators by almost 20% – including the more than 160 on the Barker Barambah Scheme.”
- Related article: Boost For Barambah Irrigators
Great to read your response Deb. So much more to this story – the irrigators who are hurting need to share their pain. These bores have been in use for years, installed at the landholders expense, managed by the landholders who now face massive costs for meters and licence fees. Labor lies published to hoodwink the urban voter. Labor has done nothing for Rural Queensland. Go Deb!
southburnett.com.au invites any of the Barambah Creek irrigators who have been affected by this issue – either positively or negatively – to contact us on (07) 4163-6854.