Queensland irrigators’ costs reduced by new funding

The Newman government has demonstrated a commitment to improving water use efficiencies in agriculture by announcing $2.75 million in funding for statewide water programs.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the funding would be allocated to two irrigation programs investigating more efficient and sustainable irrigation systems.

“The government has allocated $1.35 million for the Rural Water Use Efficiency (RWUE) program and $1.4 million for the South East Queensland Irrigation Futures (SEQ-IF) program,” Cripps said.

“These important programs allow industry bodies to provide irrigators with technical and financial assistance to improve on-farm water management, water- and energy-efficiency and secure long-term water reliability for irrigated agriculture.

“This assistance results in improved productivity and more sustainable irrigation enterprises and helps irrigators find efficiencies to offset the effects of rising prices.”

Cripps said the RWUE and SEQ-IF programs were instrumental in the water reform process.

“These programs position irrigators to participate in water trading, adapt to changes in the water planning process and keep informed about regulatory changes,” he said.

“Those in agricultural industries will benefit through grants and continuing research, and through the development of tools and calculators to achieve increased on-farm efficiencies.

“An important feature of these programs is that efficiency gains in irrigated enterprises are reinvested. They benefit irrigators and the state’s economy.”

Cripps said the programs aligned with the government’s ‘four pillars’ approach to the Queensland economy to increase agricultural production throughout the state.

“Agricultural cropping production is worth $6.5 billion per annum with irrigated production forming a significant part,” he said.

“Efficiencies in water and energy use achieved through this program equate to productivity gains.”