Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions see major water security funding as part of South East Queensland City Deal

Described as the country’s ‘salad bowl’, the future of South East Queensland agriculture and horticulture is looking prosperous after a multimillion-dollar water security investment. Full details here.

Described as Australia’s “salad bowl”, water security is a key concern for landholders in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions.

Thanks to a new project, opportunities to maximise water assets and opportunities to expand agriculture production will be explored as part of a multimillion-dollar investment to help improve South East Queensland’s water security.

The $10.8m proposal is designed to consider options which support increased agricultural production in both the Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions.

Water Initiatives, part of the Lockyer Valley proposal is the brain child of the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative.

Lockyer Valley mayor Tanya Milligan expressed her gratitude to the state government during the official announcement at Centenary Gardens in Gatton on January 15.

“We are really, really excited and exceptionally grateful to the Premier (Steven Miles), (Water) Minister (Glenn) Butcher and (Development and Infrastructure) Minister (Grace) Grace that it’s now become a reality,” she said.

Ms Milligan said the initiatives would bring peace of mind for horticulturists in planning for the future and would open up around 2600 job opportunities for the region.

The Lockyer Valley project will also form part of a wider $13.3m investment as part of agriculture water security initiatives from the South East Queensland City Deal.

“I think it’s a great demonstration of people power and with the city deal it’s about two small local council’s having a vision and working with community, state and federal governments to tell our story” she said.

Lockyer Valley mayor Tanya Milligan addresses the media to discuss the water initiatives in the Lockyer Valley proposal, alongside water collaborative member Gordon Van de Est and Somerset Regional Council mayor Graeme Lehmann at Centenary Gardens in Gatton on January 15.

Aligning with Seqwater’s 2023 Water Security Program, which has committed to identifying opportunities to provide industry and agricultural customers with recycled water.

Aimed at offsetting the demand for potable water and reducing the demand on Wivenhoe Dam.

Somerset Regional Council mayor Graeme Lehmann said the initiatives were a bittersweet ending to his 15 years in local government.

“I wanted to see water coming out of the pipe before I hang up my hat, but I’m sure we’re in a position now that it’s going to happen,” he said.

“It’s all about being affordable, we can put water out there but if people can’t afford it, it’s out of reach.”

An additional $2.5m has also been allocated for a SEQ Agriculture Regional Water Assessment to identify water security options for the wider agricultural sector of South East Queensland.

Ms Milligan also announced she would be running again in the upcoming local government election.

“I love my community and it’s well and good for me to say today that I’m running again, but ultimately the decision rests with my community and it’s up to them whether they want me back,” she said.