March 13, 2023
The State Government is encouraging irrigators to take part in the Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) review of irrigation water pricing.
The QCA will examine the costs Sunwater and Seqwater recover from irrigators for water supply.
In the meantime, to allow the QCA time to consult with irrigators, the government has extended its 15 per cent water discount to 2024-25.
The State Government also confirmed that as part of this process, irrigation prices would soon be capped at the QCA’s assessed cost reflective level, referred to as the “lower bound price”.
“The independent regulator will undertake a detailed review, talking to irrigators and other stakeholders so that we strike the right balance between the interests of customers and water providers,” Water Minister Glenn Butcher said.
“I encourage all Sunwater and Seqwater irrigation customers to participate in this process to help the QCA form detailed, well-informed advice on irrigation prices for the government.
“I’m happy to announce the extension of the 15 per cent discount for irrigators for another year, to 2024-25.
“Queensland is one of Australia’s major food bowls, so we owe it to our growers to ensure they’re getting a good deal, for what they contribute to the Queensland economy.
“The government will consider the QCA review, including the views of customers and stakeholders, before making a decision on prices.”
Sunwater and Seqwater own and operate more than 30 water supply schemes which supply water to about 6000 irrigation customers throughout Queensland.
This would be a gold mine for the pellet chook government, both selling water and power to irrigators at a unjust and unwarranted price. Defiantly sounds like a typical Labor government policy, so all smoke and mirrors. Prove me wrong.