Major steps forward in addressing a decade-long problem plaguing irrigators in the Burdekin have been welcomed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

This week’s tour of the Burdekin region by the Sunwater board comes as preparatory works to remediate rising groundwater reaches its final stages.

Mr Last said the progression of the project was significant for growers who had battled rising ground water levels for several years.

“Having the board visit the Burdekin and consult directly with growers about critical issues they need action on is invaluable,” Mr Last said.

“Mitigating rising ground water has been a long-standing issue that, as the Member for Burdekin, I have fought alongside our growers to bring about meaningful action.”

“The completion of the Code of Practice will see stage 1 of the dewatering project commence as part of Sunwater’s $25.5 million Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater Mitigation Project.”

“The progression is a long-awaited milestone for our growers and demonstrates our government’s commitment to balancing the needs of our irrigators with the environment to which they operate in.”

Mr Last said tackling the issue of rising groundwater had seen a whole of government approach with departments and Sunwater working cohesively to benefit not only irrigators but the surrounding water ways and communities they support.

“Under Labor this project had no progression leaving farmers to languish with the consequences but under the Crisafulli Government we haven’t shied away and have taken decisive action to tackle rising groundwater,” Mr Last said.

“Sunwater anticipates dewatering will commence in April this year and I know that will be welcome news for our growers as we step into another approaching harvesting season.”

“This project is a real demonstration of what a whole of government approach can achieve when it backs its primary industries. The Crisafulli Government is not leaving our farmers to languish in their challenges and is committed to boosting our state’s primary industries for decades to come.”