Gas negotiations deliver off-farm incomes
Photo: Contributed
UNPREDICTABLE seasons, fluctuating grain and cattle prices and the demand for greater production have made it difficult for the region’s landowners.
It has become increasingly important for farmers to diversify their income streams and invest in productivity driving technology.
Scott Wason, a farmer near Roma, has been able to increase the efficiency of his farmland using gas industry income streams.
Mr Wason negotiated with Santos to have wells and pipelines co-located on his land, and developed a beneficial long-term relationship with the company.
“The income stream from the gas industry has really helped us upgrade our technology which would not have been possible without this additional capital,” he said.
The Barn at Mt Hope owner Ree Price said compensation income allowed for the development of a community space which has become popular for events such as weddings and functions.
“I was looking at something to do from home and this gave me the opportunity to do something that was not weather dependent like our farm.”
Food Leaders Australian general manager Bruce McConnel has seen the stability of cash flow that gas provides for farmers allowing them to adopt technologies for long term gains.
“The successful integration of the gas sector into our farming areas has seen a significant injection of capital to many farming businesses,” he said.