Etheridge Irrigation Area Scheme
Food and Water Security
Water and food security have become priority national policy issues on the back of record drought periods in Australia, as well as disruption to supply chains through COVID-19 and recent flooding events. The ability to meet increased demand for fresh Australian produce from Far North Queensland is at major risk due to the lack of a long-term water implementation strategy. Agricultural exports are vital to FNQ with the industry sector output currently valued at $2.7bn, constrained mainly by factors such as irrigation and access to market. Urban demand also continues to increase with Cairns’ population growth averaging 1.9% per annum over the past 10 years. This, combined with a long-running history of three million tourists visiting FNQ annually, means an effective and multi-faceted water supply strategy is required to ensure the growing needs of the region can be met.
Overview
Etheridge Shire Council, in conjunction with Regional Development Australia Tropical North, aims to create a discrete agricultural zone through improved planning and development assessment largely within the Etheridge local government area. This includes promotion and development of the region’s agricultural and economic potential through the establishment of an agricultural and irrigation precinct in the Shire.
The project aims to establish protocols that facilitate the approval and expansion of agriculture and horticulture across the precinct on a regional basis. This will include clear delineation of areas required for environmental protection and Indigenous engagement (through Indigenous Land Use Agreements).
Up to 530,000ha of Class A and B soil is potentially available in the Shire, but there are limitations to water access and security, as well as barriers resulting from the high cost to individual farmers to achieve approvals. An estimated 495,000ML of water is available in the Gilbert River component of the Gulf Water Plan, currently under review and due to expire in November 2027.
Research is currently underway through the CRC for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and the Northern Australia University Alliance as part of the Water Security for Northern Australia program, including lifting human capacity and skills in the water sector and water quality modelling and design.
An implementation strategy must also be developed and would include other key elements ranging from agreed definition of the project area to a regionwide environmental impact assessment.
A March 2022 proposal identified that $2.5m was required to develop the implementation strategy to complete the project and leverage work undertaken by CRCNA. The plan will identify the best means of accessing water and irrigating up to 50,000ha of land to diversify crop types and drive economic growth in the area.
Benefits to the region
• Unlock the full potential of this prime agricultural area to deliver an annual economic value of around $900m.
• Deliver an environmentally and culturally considered planning framework and facilitate affordable development approvals.
• Encourage secondary development and population migration to grow the regional economy.
• Establish a significant service hub situated midway between the Coral Coast and the Gulf of Carpentaria to assist in reducing cost of living and supply chain costs.
Recommendation
The Queensland and Australian Governments work together to establish a set of Precinct protocols as a model for this and other developments for agriculture, which could be supported by appropriate legislation to facilitate economic development.
Queensland Government
1. Provide $380,000 for the initial stage to identify the full extent of the future work required, clarify the current and latent demand, and provide a potential framework for sustainable agricultural development.
Australian Government
1. Accepts that the Etheridge Agricultural Precinct is a relevant initiative under the National Water Grid Authority.
Last updated: August 2024
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