Wednesday September 19, 2012

THE Queensland Government has responded to landholder feedback by today announcing an extension to the tender period for unallocated water in the Gulf.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said proponents for general unallocated water in the Flinders River and Gilbert River catchment areas now have until 5.00 pm on Friday 26 October 2012 to submit their proposals.

“Striking the right balance for this release is crucial and extending the tender period by one month will allow irrigators more time to prepare tenders that best demonstrate the merits of their proposals,” Mr Cripps said.

“Landholders should remember they are not expected to prepare tenders with the same level of detail as a land and water management plan.

“Importantly this extension still allows for water licences to be granted prior to the 2013 dry season.”

Mr Cripps said feedback from the community, including representatives from shire councils in the Gilbert River catchment and the Flinders River Ag Precinct Growers group, had led to the extension.

“The Government has also established the Gulf Unallocated Water Release Hotline, 1800 697 805, for landholders to direct enquiries to,” Mr Cripps said.

“Understandably there is strong demand for this precious resource and the water licences will be granted based on certain criteria and the reserve price being met to ensure that the water is allocated to the best possible uses for a fair price.

“This release supports the Government’s commitment to growing the agricultural sector as one of the pillars of the State’s economy.

“The Department of Natural Resources and Mines will look at the outcomes from this release process to ensure any trading rules developed for the Gulf are locally relevant and take into account existing and new water entitlements.”

A public notice announcing the call for tenders was first published on 26 July 2012 and an amended public notice will be published in the North Queensland Register on 27 September 2012.

Information about the release process including the amended notices and associated forms are available online at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au and at the department’s regional offices in Ayr, Cairns and Mareeba.

[ENDS] 18 September

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Paul Sutherland 0428 868 237