Palaszczuk Government delivering relief to horticulture growers in the Wide Bay by slashing irrigation prices
The Palaszczuk Government is driving down costs for Queensland irrigators by delivering on its significant water discount and rebate initiatives.
Wide Bay Burnett irrigators are taking advantage of the Palaszczuk Government's 35 per cent horticulture rebate, claiming more than $2.5 million since the rebate scheme was introduced.
As at 30 September 2023, close to 450 applications from irrigators in the region have been received, driving down costs and boosting productivity across the Wide Bay Burnett.
The horticulture rebate offers an additional 35 per cent discount to horticulture growers, on top of the 15 per cent irrigation price discount which is automatically applied to irrigation bills.
The Wide Bay Burnett is one of Queensland's most significant food bowls with irrigated agriculture providing significant employment and value to the regional economy and state more broadly.
Keeping irrigation prices down is part of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to reducing costs for businesses and providing cost of living relief to Queenslanders across the state.
As at 30 September 2023, almost 1,000 applications for the horticulture rebate had been received, delivering an additional $4.2 million in relief to eligible irrigators state-wide.
The rebate is being managed by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) and information on how to apply is at: https://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/horticulture-irrigation-pricing-rebate-scheme.
Irrigators have until the end of 2024 to apply for the rebate, which will expire on June 30 2024.
Quotes attributable to the Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
"Whether it's citrus in Mundubbera, sweet potatoes in Bundaberg or avocados in Childers, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering hip pocket relief for our Wide Bay Burnett irrigators through our irrigation price rebates.
"Our irrigation price rebates are further proof the Palaszczuk Government is helping to tackle the cost of living in our regional communities.
"I encourage all eligible horticulture irrigators in the Wide Bay Burnett to get your rebate applications in – we want to spread this important relief measure to as many farms and communities as possible."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith:
"Horticulture plays an important role in our local economy and these measures are helping growers to manage costs at a time when they are much needed.
"The uptake in rebates within the Bundaberg region demonstrates the growing strength of the industry and the overwhelming support that a Labor Government is providing for jobs and business across the region."
