23 July 2012
MEDIA RELEASE
Forum for future of irrigation
The future and importance of diversified farming in the Etheridge Shire will be a focus of the Northern Outback Irrigators Forum in Hughenden this week.
Representatives from Etheridge Shire Council will be among a strong crowd of delegates at the two-day forum, which has attracted the attention of federal and state ministers and 18 guest speakers.
The forum aims to highlight the future of farming in the Gilbert and Flinders River catchments, with irrigation as a key topic.
“The forum is a great opportunity to showcase the value of the project and how it will benefit our region and the Council, and it is also a chance to spread the word that we need investors,” Etheridge Shire Cr Ian Tincknell said.
“Progression of the project has the potential to boost growth, which in turn will improve development of infrastructure, including power, among so many others.”
In November 2011, the Federal and State Governments announced $10 million in funding to progress irrigated agriculture in the Gilbert and Flinders River catchments, potentially opening up the region to become a food growing hub.
This week, soil testing will commence ahead of crop trialling.
Cr Tincknell said forum organisers were promising “real results” to be achieved through the event to advance the initiative and pave the way forward for irrigated cropping for food and agriculture.
Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps have registered their attendance and are expected to make announcements regarding water allocations and continued government commitment to support the initiative.
The Northern Outback Irrigators Forum will commence today, Monday July 23 with a field visit to Silver Hills Station with the forum to be hosted in Hughenden on Tuesday July 24 from 8am to 4:15pm. Registrations are essential with all interested parties encouraged to attend.
For further information on the forum and registration forms contact the Forum Coordinators Headlines on 07 4749 0045. To interview Cr Ian Tincknell telephone 0448 089 144.
ENDS
