Burnett farmers now have their own forum to contribute to water security plans for the region.
The new Burnett Catchment Industry Forum is made up of representatives from four of the region's irrigation and agricultural groups – Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Canegrowers Isis, Bundaberg Regional Irrigators Group and Australian Macadamia Society.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the new forum's task was to contribute and discuss ideas to maintain water security until a long-term improvements to Paradise Dam are completed.
"We understand how important water security is to farmers and industry in this extremely productive region," Dr Lynham said.
"Essential works will start in April to ensure the community's safety ahead of the next wet season, and Building Queensland is about to provide advice about long-term improvement options.
"The forum, under its chair, former Queensland Farmers Federation president Stuart Armitage, is focused on ensuring industry is part of developing water security solutions in the Burnett catchment.
"I appreciate the efforts of local irrigation and agricultural groups, who were pivotal in getting this forum off the ground."
The forum met for the first time last week, finalising their terms of reference, which are now available at sunwater.com.au.
The next forum will discuss the Building Queensland Options Report for Paradise Dam,
Separately, the Paradise Dam Community Reference Group continues to meet monthly to discuss the essential works about to start at the dam.
Meanwhile, water releases continue maintain the dam at its safe level of 42 per cent, ahead of the work to reduce the spillway.
