Farmers and businesses in Far North Queensland can bid for thousands of litres more water in March 2018 to grow their operations and boost the economy.
QLD Minister for Natural Resources, Dr Anthony Lynham said registrations are open for a live auction of 1200 megalitres of unallocated water in the Babinda and Gordonvale area.
“We know that for some farmers and businesses, more water means they can ramp up activity, and drive economic activity and jobs growth in FNQ,” Dr Lynham said.
“Successful bidders will receive their water licence and access to this valuable resource within 30 business days of the auction, enabling them to get on with business.”
The 1200ML of groundwater is currently sitting in reserve in the Mulgrave-Russell Groundwater Management Zone, part of the Wet Tropics water plan area.
Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt, said that while water was usually sold by tender, auction was a fair and efficient way to get the water flowing to farmers and local businesses so that it could put it to best use.
“This allocation of water is well within the sustainable water resource reserves of the Wet Tropics’ water plan,” Mr Pitt said.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Queensland’s water planning process and this remains the focus.”
Farmers and businesses have until 7 March 2018 to register and confirm their eligibility to hold a water licence with the Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy.
