The Government has extended the 15 per cent irrigator discount until 2024‑25, a move that is directly benefitting Gympie region farmers and primary producers.
In the Queensland Budget handed down last week, $22.8 million was allocated to extend the discount another year state wide, with $1.35 million already paid to Wide Bay Burnett horticulture growers, under the additional 35 per cent horticulture rebate.
The discount is automatically applied to irrigators in Sunwater and Seqwater schemes.
Agriculture is one of Queensland’s most important industries, both in terms of jobs and value to the economy according to the Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher.
“This discount is slashing the cost of water for irrigators and, as we know, water is a significant input cost for agriculture.
“On the back of supply chain pressures over the past few years, the Palaszczuk Government is really delivering for the irrigators of the Wide Bay Burnett.
“The Palaszczuk Government is reducing costs to help irrigators maximise yield and farm capacity – in the long-term this means more jobs and more money spent locally,” Mr Butcher said.
As at 31 March 2023, $1.35 million through the Horticulture Irrigation Pricing Rebate Scheme (administered by QRIDA) has been paid to eligible Wide Bay Burnett horticulture producers, including avocado, macadamia and sweet potato growers.
Horticulture growers will have until the end of 2024 to apply for the horticulture rebate for water used up to 30 June 2024.
The 35 per cent horticulture rebate is an additional measure on top of the 15 per cent irrigation price discount.
For more information visit the DRDMW website.
