Important opportunity to determine demand for water security scheme
Growers and industrial water users are encouraged to attend one of two information sessions to receive updated information on the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme (LVSWSS).
Hosted by the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative, the information sessions will explain the two options being considered, the reliability of the proposed scheme, the water product options and associated pricing.
The LVSWSS is a major strategic project for the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional councils, which aims to make more water available for irrigation and industry, significantly increasing production and generating thousands of new, ongoing local jobs.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan said if there was insufficient demand from growers and water users, the project may stop.
“The LVSWSS is a revolutionary project that will transform our region’s capacity to feed the nation into the future,” she said.
“This is not just about the here and now, but about securing the future of our local horticultural and other industries for generations to come.”
Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Jason Wendt said it was a chance for people who haven’t been involved in the project to hear the benefits of participating, or for those who were unsure, to reconsider.
“I urge new interested water users, along with those parties that have participated in previous demand assessment rounds, to come along to one of the information sessions,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to hear the latest project updates, learn the projected buy-in and annual costings, how the scheme works and address any concerns you may have.”
First proposed in 2018, the LVSWSS has secured significant funding from the South East Queensland City Deal and is currently in the Optimisation Assessment Phase, part of which includes assessing the project’s viability. The SEQ City Deal is a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and Council of Mayors (SEQ).
Chair of the Water Collaborative, Paul Lucas acknowledged it had been a long process to get to this point and it was time to re-test the level of interest from irrigators and industrial water users.
“Getting City Deal funding from Federal and State governments acknowledges the region’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading food bowls,” he said.
“We are not starting from scratch here – this is not theoretical. We are building on well over a century of knowledge, experience and care for the land. But this project can take it to a whole new level.”
Mr Lucas said agriculture, and value-add processes, are the lifeblood of the Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions.
“Investing in a reliable and sustainable irrigation water supply will provide water security for growers, enabling them to meet growing demand for fresh produce, both domestically and internationally, and give them the ability to expand production in an increasingly variable climate,” he said.
“The flow-on effects of this are enormous; unlocking new jobs, export opportunities, investment in down-stream industries and boosting the local economy.”
Interested parties will be asked to complete a non-binding form that indicates their expected total annual water demand.
Information Sessions:
WHEN: Thursday 15 August, 5.30pm to 8.30pm
WHERE: Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre
WHEN: Friday 16 August, 11am to 2pm
WHERE: Coominya Public Hall
Light refreshments included.
To find out more about the Water Collaborative, visit https://lvandswatercollaborative.com.au/
