Media Release (22 May 2024)
Lakeland’s potential as a horticultural powerhouse for Northern Australia has been cemented with the delivery of the Detailed Business Case for the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme in Far North Queensland.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North led the development of the proposal in consultation with Cook Shire Council, the Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Lakeland growers. It was supported by funding from the Federal Government’s National Water Infrastructure Development Fund, an initiative of the Northern Australia and Agricultural Competitiveness White Papers.
RDA Tropical North Chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said the Scheme had involved extensive stakeholder consultation over the past four years and the search could now begin for a proponent to undertake the Detailed Design phase necessary for State Government approval before construction could start.
“This exciting project was borne from the Lakeland growers whose entrepreneurial nature and best practice environmental methods led to the vision for agricultural expansion to develop new industries in Cape York Peninsula.
“One of the major success stories will be direct Indigenous involvement for the Western Yalanji people resulting in the development of Indigenous-led businesses across agricultural supply chains on Indigenous land.”
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Homes said the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme would be a game-changer for a sparsely populated and under-resourced region by allowing growers to cultivate diverse, higher value crops that would lead to improved investor confidence in the region.
“Studies unequivocally demonstrate that the project will provide substantial social and economic benefits to the broader Cape and Torres region by accelerating population growth which is necessary for the region to become self-sustaining and economically viable.”
Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer Brad Grogan said the project would bring immense potential and benefit to Traditional Owners as well as the wider community of Cook Shire and Cape York.
“We firmly stand behind this transformative initiative which will enable our people to build a strong, prosperous future that facilitates the preservation of our cultural heritage while embracing modern advancements.
“It will not only enhance our economic well-being but will also improve overall living conditions, foster social cohesion and community development with better access to essential services such as healthcare, education and transportation.”
Kureen Farming grower Paul Inderbitzen, whose family pioneered banana growing in Lakeland and has diversified into crops including avocadoes and broadacre seed cropping, said the region was well poised for expansion of further agricultural and horticultural crops.
“With the skills and land already available, we just need to add water to create greater opportunity to expand into a diverse range of high-value crops,” he said.
Professor Babacan said RDA Tropical North would lobby the Queensland Government to establish an independently chaired Mobilisation Taskforce consisting of State and Federal representatives, Cook Shire Council, Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, growers, and RDA Tropical North.
“This taskforce would identify a proponent, such as Sunwater, and determine the policy foundations for developing the project appropriately which could mean making it a Coordinated Project,” she said.
“It would also put impact assessment arrangements in place, negotiate final cost estimates and cost sharing arrangements between governments and the private sector, and ensure all ancillary planning is in place to maximise social, economic and environmental benefits.
“The State Government also needs to support Cook Shire Council in planning for the expansion of Lakeland, amend the Mitchell Catchment Water Resource Plan to accommodate the Scheme, and seek funding support through the National Water Grid Authority.
“Acting now means that water could flow by 2031 to bring much needed industry, jobs and infrastructure to the communities of Cape York Peninsula.”
Download the Detailed Business Case for the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme: https://www.rdatropicalnorth.org.au/our-projects/lakeland-irrigation-area-scheme/
Regional Development Australia Tropical North Inc is an independent organisation driven by community leaders to broker regional development solutions that will create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.
MEDIA CONTACT
RDATN CEO, Sonja Johnson | Ph 0493 080 143 | ceo@rdatropicalnorth.org.au
RDATN Chair Prof Hurriyet Babacan | Ph 0413 819 884 | chair@rdatropicalnorth.org.au