Untapping secure water supply to grow our economy

After years of ongoing drought, a group of local farmers, growers and producers looking to expand the region's $263 million agriculture industry have sought Council's support to secure its water supply.

Warrill Valley Irrigators approached Council seeking financial support for a feasibility study on potential new water supply opportunities and projects for the Warrill and Fassifern Valleys.

Scenic Rim Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Jon Gibbons said the Scenic Rim had an enormous opportunity to expand its growing agricultural industry.

"We can't get more land, however if we can access more water we will be able to grow our most significant industry, which will provide benefits across the region," he said.

"This project is about future proofing our region, creating jobs and growing the economy, which is core to Council's Regional Prosperity Strategy 2020-2025.

"The study will engage industry experts, Jacobs, to map where the investment should logically be, assess demand for additional water and conduct a full economic impact analysis."

Based at Peak Crossing, third generation farmer Tony Gibb from Gibb Bros Farming Company said the study is great news and they would welcome the opportunity to have another water source to help increase production.

"The ongoing drought has impacted our ability to tap in to growing export markets and we would all sleep a little better at night knowing we had other sources of water available to us," he said.

Mr Gibbons said the feasibility study would also provide a pivotal platform to advocate to both the Australian and Queensland Governments for future funding.

"Having a properly assessed and designed water project enables us to make a strong case across all level of government about the importance of this project, not only to our own regional economy, but also to the Queensland and Australian economies," he said.

To assess the demand for additional water supply in the Warrill and Fassifern Valleys, Council will host community information sessions in early February in Kalbar and Harrisville. More information will be made available on Council's website in the New Year.

Image: Gibb Bros Farming Company has recently finished celery harvesting at their Peak Crossing farm and welcome the feasibility study.