MORE than $1.5 million will be pumped into feasibility studies to determine the viability of two separate irrigation schemes in Far North Queensland.
The Lakeland Area Irrigation secured $825,000 and the Southern Atherton Tablelands Irrigation Development $750,000 for feasibility studies, announced as part of the federal government’s Water Infrastructure Fund.
Cape York Sustainable Futures chief executive officer Trish Butler said Lakeland, the heart of the far north, had run out of water.
“This funding will assist us as the regional economic development body in the region to determine the best water options for Lakeland. The flow on effect for the Cape will be immeasurable in terms of income and employment,” Ms Butler said.
“As Lakeland reaches it’s full potential there is an opportunity for produce to be shipped north to Weipa and exported to Asia.
“There are many cattle properties in the Cape some of which are owned by indigenous people that will benefit from hay and grain from Lakeland to prepare cattle for live export.
“This opens up many opportunities in the region including the possibility of a South East Cape York Agricultural Precinct.
“We are hopeful the feasibility report will be complete within 12 months and we will be setting up a community consultative and advisory committee to ensure the project delivers the best outcomes.”
The Southern Atherton Tablelands Development Scheme could create 100,000 hectares a of irrigated agriculture, greatly reduce the damage caused by regular wet season flooding around Ingham and generate sufficient hydro-electricity to make an important contribution to the region’s clean and green image.
