Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced new environmental regulation for the Lake Eyre Basin this morning. This announcement follows an extensive stakeholder engagement process which the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has actively participated in.
The Lake Eyre Basin is a unique arid zone river system that provides natural, seasonal water flows relied upon by rural and remote communities, a diversity of industries including agriculture, and an incredible array of flora and fauna.
It is appropriate that safeguards are in place to protect the Lake Eyre Basin rivers and floodplains to ensure the quality and flow of this valuable water resource is sustained for future generations, QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said.
“The Lake Eyre Basin supports vital agricultural production and vibrant rural communities who are reliant upon it. These safeguards are essential to continuing this production and sustaining these communities,” Ms Sheppard said.
“Finding an appropriate balance and taking a long-term view is important if we are going to be able to achieve a meaningful outcome when it comes to achieving coexistence that supports sustainable industries, thriving communities, sound environmental outcomes and a viable future for food production. Water security is critical and underpins all of these outcomes.”
This legislative reform provides protection for a valuable, naturally produced water source that is integral to the future of agriculture and rural communities in the region, whilst giving consideration for existing industry and developments already in place, as well the emerging opportunities of critical mineral extraction.
A one size fits all approach will not deliver on the complexity of issues that need to be considered and in this regard, QFF welcomes the targeted reform approach the Queensland Government is proposing to take in protecting the floodplains in the Lake Eyre Basin.
Natural water producing systems such as the Lake Eyre Basin floodplain river system and the Great Artesian Basin are incredible environmental and community assets that we have a responsibility to protect so that they can continue to sustain industry, food production, rural communities and flora and fauna for generations to come.
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Media contact:
Jak Kirwin
Media and Communications Officer, QFF
E: comms@qff.org.au
P: (07) 3837 4706