Water Security as important as ever

Supporters of the proposed new water scheme to service Queensland's Salad Bowl' say water security to keep producing world-leading fruit and vegetables is as important as ever.

Following the strong interest irrigators and business across the region have shown in investing in the scheme, Lockyer Valley & Somerset Water Collaborative chairperson Stephen Robertson said the continuing drought showed the importance in moving forward on this project.

Consultants - Jacobs Australia have undertaken a significant body of work following on from the first round of water demand meetings held in February.

It's unfortunate that COVID-19 restrictions have delayed some aspects of the ongoing consultation process, but I want to assure our stakeholders we are continuing to work hard behind the scenes to finalise the detailed business case.

Initial mapping of a potential pipeline network to service interested investors has been costed and the results to date look very promising for a viable and sustainable water security project, Mr Robertson said.

Sutton Farms manager and third generation farmer, Brock Sutton said the results of Round 1 of the detailed business case were encouraging and called on local irrigators and business users to stand firm during any coronavirus-related delays.

This project could well be the most significant of our generation and will provide both water and economic security for future generations, Mr Sutton said.

The second round of consultations by Jacobs has now been scheduled to commence in late May or early June. The format of these consultations with farmers and other water users who participated in Round 1 has yet to be decided and will be subject to the Covid-19 related meeting restrictions that will be in place at the time.

For more information on the Lockyer Valley & Somerset Water Collaborative and the water security project visit https://lvandswatercollaborative.com.au/