FARMERS say dramatic and unsustainable increases in irrigation water prices will flow directly onto consumers in the form of higher fruit and vegetable prices.
The claim follows recommendations by the Queensland Competition Authority that water prices in irrigation schemes should be increased by as much as 20 per cent from July 1 this year. Those recommendations are currently being considered by the Palaszczuk government.
Growcom chair Belinda Adams said prices increases could make quality and nutritious fresh produce unaffordable for the most vulnerable.
"A strong horticulture industry is essential to support many regional economies and jobs," Ms Adams said.
"But the affordability of fresh fruit and vegetables is also an important public health issue."
Growcom deputy chair Joe Moro said predictable and affordable water was also an important factor in attracting investment into the Queensland horticulture industry.
"Water security and what is happening with Paradise Dam is an issue right across the state with a number of schemes facing dam safety cost increases in the recommended prices," Mr Moro said.
Water security and what is happening with Paradise Dam is an issue right across the state with a number of schemes facing dam safety cost increases in the recommended prices.
- Joe Moro, Growcom
"If flowed through fully, those prices will have a negative impact on regional Queensland with the loss of jobs and affect the viability of the Queensland horticulture industry."
As part of their water pricing decision, the Palaszczuk government is considering charging irrigators for the first time for upgrades made to dams to improve public safety.
Growcom chief executive officer David Thomson said including dam safety upgrade costs in water pricing would drive irrigation water prices far higher into the future.
"And it's simply unfair and unsustainable," Mr Thomson said.
"We don't ask pedestrians to pay for zebra crossings. Those living in rental properties don't pay for testing smoke alarms.
"Responsibility for repairing a dodgy dam should first fall to the contractor who built it, and then the government who commissioned and owns it.
"The Queensland Government has only just committed to meeting the costs of repairing Paradise Dam at Bundaberg which has public safety concerns.
"It seems odd they should turn around the next minute and seek to shift these costs onto irrigators.
"Shifting costs of dam safety works onto farmers, and ultimately consumers, is another way Government is trying to prop up its budget."