While the SEQ City Deal announced yesterday in Brisbane didn’t carry many direct benefits for SEQ’s primary producers, Queensland Farmer’s Federation (QFF) welcomes the initial $13.3 million that will flow from the deal to producers through the Lockyer Valley Council’s water initiatives program.
This funding will continue the valuable work that has been done to manage erosion.
“It is vital that streambank erosion is continued to be managed in the Lockyer Valley, to ensure the long-term viability of the agricultural sector in Queensland, and that Queensland continues to produce world class food.” said Jo Sheppard, CEO of QFF.
“Without streambank rehabilitation we will continue to lose the fertile soil required for agriculture, with some land becoming nonviable for future food production.
“It is paramount that the government continue to see this as a state-wide issue, that requires climate change mitigation planning, that factors in the loss of soil into our river systems, in intense rainfall events.”
Climate change is posing a dynamic series of challenges for producers who are grappling with the impacts of longer periods of drought and more frequent intense rainfall events, which will continue to see the sector impacted by these weather events.
“Ongoing work on the banks of our rivers and streams to help reduce soil erosion, requires a long-term strategy to mitigate the continued change in our landscapes and help protect our soils for the continued viability of our food, fibre and foliage sectors” said Ms Sheppard.
The City Deal will deliver an initial investment of $13.3 million to enhance water supply and efficiency for Lockyer Valley and consider longer term planning to secure supply of water for growers in the Lockyer and Somerset regions.
“It is critical that both the federal and state government Incorporates climate change variability into their decision making to include water infrastructure, on farm water efficiency and climate mitigation technologies, which will help to protect our agricultural land.”
“The recent flooding in the region has caused significant damage and the continuation of funding for this project is now more important than ever.”
ENDS
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