Growers Urged To Back Water Project

Consultant Matt Bradbury speaks to growers at the meeting at Blackbutt Memorial Hall on Monday (Photo: SBRC)

April 1, 2022

An insufficient and uncertain water supply are stifling economic growth in Blackbutt, according to local growers.

Growers met with consultants from KBR in Blackbutt on Monday as part of the latest phase of the Burnett Water Feasibility Study.

South Burnett Regional Council had urged farmers to attend the meeting to learn more about the Blackbutt Growers and Irrigators project, one of three high-priority water projects identified during the Feasibility Study.

The project aims to provide new water to the highly fertile agricultural area of Blackbutt and Mt Binga by leveraging existing water infrastructure, including greater utilisation of the Wivenhoe pipeline.

The meeting heard that the uncertain water supply in Blackbutt had meant underinvestment by many growers and agricultural businesses.

Deterioration due to climate variability would further limit and reduce the region’s agricultural competitiveness, economic growth, and jobs.

Cr Kirstie Schumacher said growers had confirmed that the uncertain water supply was stifling economic growth in Blackbutt.

“There are a number of long-term water solutions that have been identified through the options analysis and we have many reasons to be optimistic,” she said.

She said Council was conducting a “robust” water demand assessment.

“It is critical we hear from anyone who may have an interest in purchasing water for agricultural or manufacturing in Blackbutt,” Cr Schumacher said.

“The demand assessment is key to demonstrating and persuading all levels of government that there is sufficient collective demand and a willingness from growers to take and pay for water.”

KBR economic adviser Matt Bradbury said the water market was competitive, with many regions are having similar conversations.

He said the consultants needed growers’ support and enthusiasm to inform the demand assessment and validate the potential long-term solutions.

“We are asking growers to complete a non-binding Round 1 expression of interest form that will collectively determine there is sufficient demand to progress the options to secure water for Blackbutt growers and irrigators,” Mr Bradbury said.

“Growers need to be accurate and realistic with the information they provide, and really consider what additional land they could develop and what they could grow if they have access to more water.

“We are undertaking Round 1 of a three-step demand assessment process; this is an important part of the process.

“Whenever you ask government to invest in a water project you must be able to demonstrate that the agricultural benefits or economic activity is greater than the cost of the project.

“We are working to demonstrate to both State and Federal governments that we have a commitment from irrigators, irrigators have a willingness to purchase the water and that providing reliable water to Blackbutt stacks up.”

For more information contact Matt Bradbury on 0410-225-113 or email him