The Queensland Government is providing an opportunity for Stanthorpe businesses and irrigators to access surface water reserves, giving Queenslanders the resources they need to grow their business and create new jobs.
Community consultation in the Stanthorpe region during 2019/20 clearly identified a need to plan ahead in preparation for rainfall and the water reserves it may create. Feedback also highlighted the need to support economic growth in the region, through the expansion and creation of industry and agricultural enterprises like fruit orchards, small crops, vineyards, and primary processing.
There is now an opportunity to access 1060 megalitres of surface water reserve from Accommodation and Pike Creeks, south-west of Stanthorpe.
This is available via competitive tender to water users from waterways downstream of the proposed Emu Swamp Dam site and into the upper and middle Pike creek catchment.
These waterways include:
- Severn River (below Ballandean)
- Accommodation Creek
- Bald Rock Creek
- Back Creek
- the upper and middle reaches of Pike Creek
- Fifteen Mile Creek
- Maryland Creek.
The release of surface water entitlements through this tender process complements the other projects currently underway to support drought resilience in the Southern Downs.
To discuss this tender, phone 13QGOV, email uaw.stanthorpe@dnrme.qld.gov.au or search for ‘unallocated water’ at www.business.qld.gov.au