Mary Basin farmers given five more weeks for water licence submissions

A deadline for farmers across the Mary Basin to be heard in the controversial proposal to change water allocations has been pushed back amid concerns some producers would miss the cut.

Farmers have been given an extra five weeks to make submissions to the state government about proposed changes to the Mary Basin water allocations, in which existing license limits will be switched from area-based t o voulme-based allowances.

The deadline for farmers and producers to make a submission over controversial changes to water allocations in the Mary Basin has been extended by five weeks.

News of the extended deadline, which has shifted from April 21 to May 26, was announced by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water on Friday.

It comes after farmers across Gympie raised concerns about the impact the changes, which involved swapping the existing area-based entitlements for ones based on volume, would have on their ability to continue operating and producing.

Avocado farmer John Groves said under the new proposal of 6 Megalitres per hectare he would be allowed 36ML, less than half the 83ML average his farm required.

DMRDW south region director Hamish Butler said in the media release the shift in dates came amid concerns some farmers would miss the cut-off.

“We have heard concerns from farmers and irrigators,” Mr Butler said.

“We know that sometimes submissions can be time-consuming and require some supporting documentation, which also takes time to assemble.

“This will mean the submissions window has been open for 13 weeks – the longest period of any water plan review – which means everyone should have had plenty of time to make their submission.”

Mary's Creek avocado farmer John Groves was among the Gympie region farmers to raise concerns about the impact the new Mary Basin water plan would have on his farm under the existing proposal.

The release said the change was being made with a goal of preserving already existing licence entitlements.

The plan for the Mary Basin, which stretches from Caloundra to north of Gympie and out west to Goomeri, expires in 2024.

A replacement is needed before then.

“Water plans are reviewed to incorporate the best available science which improves our understanding and knowledge of water management,” the release said.

“The goal of this process is to retain existing entitlements, and simply update them from an area-based to volumetric limit, to ensure we are managing water as sustainably and as efficiently as possible.”

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Multiple factors including climate change science, cultural values, population growth, social and economic demands, and ecological assets will be considered in creation of the new plan.

“Farmers who believe the proposed amendments to their water licences are less than their historic use are encouraged to make a submission to the department, via the website or by calling 1800 135 531,” the release said.

“The submission should include evidence which support this claim.

“This will be reviewed by the department, on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of preserving existing entitlements.”