‘Unheard’ irrigators organise public meeting with authorities at Alton Downs

Lower Fitzroy River farmers fighting a large spike in water charges have called a public meeting with authorities next week to voice their concerns amid fears they are not being listened to.

Henrik Christiansen said the impact of a new water pricing structure on his 120,000 macadamia tree orchard was significant.

Lower Fitzroy River farmers fighting a large spike in water charges have called a public meeting with authorities next week to voice their concerns amid fears they are not being listened to.

Lychee farmer Krystal Caton on Friday, December 6 sent the invitation to Rockhampton Regional Councillors and senior Fitzroy River Water staff, saying affected irrigators are still questioning the reasons behind the 53 per cent price rise.

Council last week agreed to delay the increase until July next year to provide more time for consultation but Ms Caton said while irrigators appreciated this they still carried serious concerns about the process.

She said the collective group of irrigators felt that many of these “questions and concerns remained unheard”.

“We understand that further consultation is scheduled early in the new year; however, we believe it is critical to share our questions and concerns with you now,” she said in the invite.

“This will provide you with the opportunity to understand our perspectives and seek the answers required before returning to us with updates regarding the proposed new price path.”

“We do not expect you to have answers to all our questions during this meeting; rather, we want the opportunity to ensure our concerns are clearly communicated and that you are equipped with the information necessary to address them at the next proposed consultation meeting in 2025.”

The fixed price for about 300 medium priority irrigators using council’s water from the Fitzroy River Barrage was to increase in December by 53 per cent from $37.15 per megalitre to $56.96 per ML with a minimum charge of $300.

However Council this week voted to lower the charge to $38.45 per ML with a minimum charge of $300 before the higher prices start from July.

The public meeting is being held at Alton Downs Hall on Wednesday evening.