THE Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation (QDO) has welcomed the news from for Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps that two important programs that are crucial to gaining further water use efficiency gains in the future have been refunded in the State Budget.
QDO CEO Adrian Peake said in a statement the Rural Water Use Efficiency (RWUE) and South-East Queensland Irrigation Futures (SEQ-IF) programs to date had delivered significant outcomes for the dairy and fodder industries, right across Queensland.
He said these programs were a foundation of the industry’s initiative, Dairy and Fodder Water for Profit, and therefore the news that the programs will continue to be funded is great news and is appreciated in what is an extremely difficult financial environment for Premier Campbell Newman and his Ministers.
“Since 1999, the Dairy and Fodder Water for Profit program has seen more than 77,000 megalitres saved with a $7.8 million investment,” Mr Peake said.
“Approximately 50 percent of the funding has been provided in financial assistance to dairy farmers and fodder producers to support them to adopt new technology with the remaining funding providing services such as independent irrigation system assessment advice from service providers, knowledge and skills development through capacity building events, and RD&E activities to continue to assist farmers to improve irrigation systems and water use efficiency.
“These programs are a pinnacle example of a successful industry government partnership and the programs deliver extremely good value for government funds on behalf of all Queenslanders. For every dollar invested by Government, farmers have invested four dollars, which delivers water efficiency, productivity and sustainability outcomes for the farm enterprises and flow-on benefits to regional economies.
“Industry welcomes their continuation and looks forward to working with the Queensland Government to continue to deliver improved water use efficiency outcomes, which will directly contribute to the Government’s ‘Four Pillars’ objective which includes supporting the growth of the Queensland agricultural sector.”