Queensland’s top sugarcane growers are calling recent irrigation cuts for horticultural farmers “unfair” and “unfair”.
The Palaszczuk government recently announced that farmers and fruit farmers could receive an additional 35 percent discount on water bills.
Additional reductions in solar and sewer irrigation fees for fruit and vegetable producers are more than the 15 percent reduction for all irrigations over the next three years.
During the 2020 state election campaign, Cannegrowers welcomed the approval of the Labor Party that the cost of irrigation water should be cut.
However, Dan Galigan, CEO of Canegro Air, said the crop community has questioned the two-tier approach to price cuts.
“We asked at the time and we are still asking,” Mr Galligan said.
“It is fair and fair to offer a 15 percent discount on large-scale farming, including sugarcane, and a 50 percent discount on fruit and vegetable production.
The fact is that all agriculture contributes to employment and the government economy. In Queensland, sugarcane alone produces an estimated $ 4 billion worth of economic activity each year.
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Mr. Galigan believes that a big discount should be available for all irrigation projects.
“Water prices are preventing many farmers from using their water allocation properly and that means their farms may not be as productive as possible,” he said.
“If the price of water falls on the board, the water will be used and the economic and operational benefits will also flow.
It pays “significant investment” in the horticultural sector
The government of Palazzozuk commended Queensland’s horticulture sector for its commitment to reduce irrigation costs.
Stephen Barnard, CEO of Growcom, acknowledged that the government has made it easier for producers to make significant investments and discounts.
Mr Barnard said: “This reduction is the only significant initiative by the government to directly benefit the horticultural industry and the services it supports.”
Keeping the red tape in good condition ensures that a lot of money will be spent on irrigation to use the support to grow their businesses and invest in the communities in which they rely.
Hort farmers are eligible for a discount after the initial account
Minister of State for Development, Manufacturing and Water, Glenn Butcher, said the reduction was part of the government’s efforts to reduce the cost of irrigation by $ 81.6 million.
“Irrigation is one of the most important industries in Queensland, both at work and in our economy,” said Mr Boocher.
Recognizing the significant work done by these crops, these reductions will reduce water prices by 50 percent for fruit and vegetable irrigation.
According to Mr Boocher, farmers can apply for a discount immediately after paying their first bill for the new fiscal year.
Over the next three years, each drop of water used to irrigate crops will be eligible for a discount tomorrow or December 31, 2024.
The Minister of Agriculture, Industrial Development and Fisheries, Mark Funner, said the Queensland Rural and Industrial Development Authority (QRIDA) has been appointed to administer further reductions for fruit and vegetable irrigation.
We have decided on a simple and straightforward discount program for gardeners to get and ask for more discounts, Mr Funner said.
“I’m glad we got that commitment, and that gardeners can use the same evidence that their farmers have in the past to apply for a discount as part of managing their business.
The program will be flexible enough to accommodate all types of fruit and vegetable businesses in the state.
- Visit www.rdmw.qld.gov.au for more information on the Queensland Government’s Irrigation Reduction Reduction.
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