Farmers fear water going to CSG

THE State Government has denied planned cuts to Callide Valley Irrigators' water allocations were being given to coal seam gas projects.

One farmer raised the issue at a recent meeting of irrigators, who are planning to fight the proposed allocation cuts, part of the draft Fitzroy Basin Water Resource Plan.

“It's a water grab for the coal seam gas (CSG) companies,” one farmer claimed.

“It's been taken from farmers for business – it would be catastrophic.”

Some farmers in the Callide Valley will have CSG pipelines running through their properties.

A spokesperson from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) denied water was being taken from irrigators to give to the CSG industry.

“Potential coal seam gas developments in the coal measures of the Surat Basin have no bearing on the proposed reductions in groundwater entitlements associated with alluvial groundwater sources the Callide Valley,” the spokesperson said.

“The new draft Fitzroy Basin Water Resource Plan has been prepared to replace the existing plan, which is now in its 10-year review phase.

“This ensures the plan is relevant to the current economic and social climate.

“In addition, the new draft plan also applies to groundwater in the Fitzroy Basin for the first time, including the groundwater resources of the Callide Valley,” the spokesperson said.

Last week, Central Telegraph reported on irrigators' concerns about the cuts, which they stated could send farms and town businesses bust.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd has blasted State Minister Stephen Robertson for failing to respond to his request to meet face to face to discuss the plight of Callide Valley irrigators.

“I requested a meeting with him on January 21 straight after the irrigators meeting in Biloela, since then I have followed up on three separate occasions and I haven't even had the courtesy of a response,” Mr O'Dowd said.

“I have told his staff I will travel anywhere at anytime to talk to him about this matter, and all I get is the cold shoulder.

“It not good enough, he refuses to talk to the irrigators and now he won't even talk to me.

“What's he hiding?

I am off to Canberra next week but when I'm back the following week I'll take a dozen or so irrigators with me to Brisbane and we'll camp in the foyer of his office until he agrees to come out and sensibly discuss the matter.” Mr O'Dowd said.

Minister Stephen Robertson said his office has been in touch with the Member for Flynn’s office seeking further details with regards to his particular issues.

"I am always happy to consider requests to meet if it means constructive dialogue with MPs over issues that affect their constituents," Mr Robertson said.

 "I look forward to receiving the Member for Flynn’s submission and then discussing the contents.

"We are committed to consultation on the future of the Fitzroy Basin."

The irrigators will meet with DERM on February 15 and in Moura on February 21.