Local Scenic Rim farmers, growers, and producers approached Council for funding for a project to secure water into the Warrill Valley area, strengthen agricultural production, grow the value-add sector, create more jobs, and increase exports – however one Councillor has expressed his concern for the $80,000 contract.
Warrill Valley Irrigators have approached Council seeking support to undertake Step 1 – Demand Assessment of this project by funding the engagement of an appropriately skilled industry expert, Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Ltd (who are an approved supplier on Local Buy).
Step 1 includes completing the initial Investment Logic Mapping, demand assessment, and economic benefit analysis.
According to Council documents, the Scenic Rim region has a large, existing and diversified agricultural sector, ranging from cattle and chickens to vegetables and turf as well as including a large equine industry and small boutique crops.
Wording from the documents reveal:- “This important industry sector means there are existing supply chains and workforces that currently support the industry and are available for new businesses as well.
The documentation continues to read:- “The most significant industry in the Scenic Rim in 2018-2019 data, identified the Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing sector providing 2,031 jobs (13% of total jobs), accounting for 1,151 businesses (25% of total jobs) and contributing $263.2 million to the region’s economy (18% of total economy).
“An initial feasibility assessment on potential new water supply opportunities and projects for the Warrill and Fassifern Valleys will:
Demonstrate and assess the opportunities, viability and demand for new, reliable water for farms, value-added processing and other businesses in the Warrill and Fassifern Valleys – Round 1 Demand Assessment.
Develop a compelling case for Australian and/or Queensland government funding for the development of comprehensive water infrastructure business cases culminating in a detailed business case and subsequent pre-construction activities including environmental impact statement and binding water sales.
“Supporting this project will assist the Council in achieving its goal of valuable jobs for locals and expanding on the region’s largest industry – agriculture.”
The project was initiated on November 27, and is due for completion in March 2021.
Scenic Rim Councillor Derek Swansborough said he does not support the project, and was the only councillor at the most recent Scenic Rim Regional Council meeting to vote against it.
“I am against this motion because I don’t think it does do what the recommendations say and I don’t think it will get us to the stage where there is a compelling case to put to government,” he said.
“It’s clear that demand management is not about just going out to the irrigators and saying would you like the water.
“If I was to ask anyone in this room if they would like the water for $10 a litre they would say no.
“That’s the reason why the engineering studies must be done before you can get a price to the water…I think this contract and what it’s going to achieve is being completely oversold to council, I believe we have rushed in way too early and signed a contract which we can’t stop.
“I see all of the benefits but this $80,000 contract that we can’t reverse I don’t believe can do anything else but ask the irrigators would you like this water without telling them the price.”
