Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said the water had the potential to boost agricultural production in the area, supporting one of the four pillars of the economy.
“This draft plan supports the beneficial use of CSG water by farmers in the upper reaches of the Dawson Valley Water Supply Scheme,” he said.
“It’s also another demonstration of successful co-existence between the CSG and farming sector.
“The draft ROP also proposes the introduction of water trading to additional areas, including the Callide Valley Water Supply Scheme, the Lower Callide groundwater sub-area and parts of the Dawson River, Comet River, Retreat Creek and Theresa Creek.”
Cripps said the draft plan for the Fitzroy Basin also addressed the historical over allocation of groundwater in the Callide Valley.
“My department has worked with Callide Valley irrigators to ensure necessary reductions in water entitlements have a minimal impact on local agriculture,” he said.
“The plan proposes arrangements to support Callide Valley landholders who have been actively and productively using their water entitlements.
“There is an important mechanism by which Callide Valley irrigators are able to seek an independent review of their entitlement if they feel it does not reflect their investment in water infrastructure.”
