FEDERAL BUDGET 2019 Water channel project ‘best fit’

AN IRRIGATION project that would send Cape York’s agricultural output into overdrive is shaping up as a perfect fit for a share of $1.3 billion set aside in the Federal Budget for dams.

The strategic business case for the Lakelands Irrigation Area Project has been completed and will be presented in full by Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait (RDA FNQ&TS) chairman David Kempton at a public meeting next week.

While its contents remain under lock and key, Mr Kempton has issued a statement describing the $825,000 report’s findings as “favourable”.

“Of the four options considered, in the comprehensive business case, the Palmer River that flows west into the Mitchell river catchment is the most viable site to improve water volume and reliability,” he said.

“The dam, when constructed, will store 200,000 megalitres and guarantee a 80,000megalitre per annum yield for up to three years, irrigating 8000ha of arable land in the Lakeland agricultural precinct.”

The report estimates the project cost at $400 million, saying it could be completed within five to seven years with co-operation from local, state and federal authorities.

Mr Kempton said discussions were under way with the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility for contributory funding, as well as a consortium of growers hoping to invest in their farming future.

“It will likely be a mixture of grants and loans, and input by the state and growers,” he said.

Tuesday’s budget flagged another $2 billion loan facility for operators hoping to expand or build new dams.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter has also vowed to make sure projects in his patch – Hells Gates Dam, Hughenden Irrigation Project and Big Rocks Weir – do not miss out.

“This authority streamlines and overrides hurdles we’ve been made to jump through for the past 30 years,” he said.