The Queensland Government has established a working group to further develop sustainable local ideas for Sunwater’s channel water services, following the release of the company’s new five-year rural irrigation price path.

 

The price plan predominately limits any changes to the CPI. However, State Minister for Water Supply, Mark McArdle, said increased savings have been identified by ensuring future services and capital investment best represented what irrigators needed.

 

“There are alternative local management arrangements for channel irrigation schemes that farmers believe will reduce costs, while offering improved management and preservation of waterways,” Mr McArdle said. 

 

“This is very welcome advice from some of SunWater’s customers and will now be investigated by a specialist working group.” 

 

The working group will include representatives from SunWater as well as local and peak irrigation bodies. It will identify efficient and sustainable local irrigator (distribution) management models.