AgForce has welcomed the Federal Coalition's plans to put $150 million towards water infrastructure projects across Queensland, describing the announcement as "a significant step forward for agriculture and the state's economy."
AgForce water spokesman Kim Bremner said investment in water infrastructure always paid off in the long term and he was pleased to see the Federal Coalition outline support for a series of priority projects that could benefit urban, industrial and agricultural users across Queensland.
"A number of these projects could benefit farmers if they are given the go ahead, particularly the Rookwood Weir in Central Queensland and the plan to use south-east Queensland's treated effluent for agricultural production," he said.
"While the mining boom may be over for now, we are on the cusp of a dining boom and access to more water is a crucial ingredient for our agricultural sector to grow in the future.
"The Rookwood Weir could deliver potential opportunities for irrigated farming and feedlots in Central Queensland, but we need more information as the business case is developed, including the likely availability and price of water for agriculture.
"AgForce has also strongly advocated for about 100,000 megalitres a year of south-east Queensland's recycled wastewater to be diverted for agricultural and industrial use and we are pleased to see funding committed to update the business case for this project.
"This project would ensure farmers in the Lockyer Valley and on the Darling Downs have a more reliable water supply to increase on-farm production, as well as significantly reducing the amount of treated effluent being released into Moreton Bay.
"While feasibility studies are an important part of the process, we're keen to see these studies turned into concrete action on the ground as soon as possible.
"It's vital too that the State Government backs the Federal Government's water infrastructure plans.
"Agriculture has been a mainstay of the Queensland economy for generations and can continue to be if all levels of Government support projects that help unlock the industry's full potential."