Media Release

Funding for Nth Qld irrigation and the scourge of the Prickly Acacia framed the first Question of the new Parliament for KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter.

In Question Time today, Mr Katter asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce MP if he would, “consider providing $2.5 million for engineering and construction planning for Hughenden- the first micro-irrigation scheme in a Plan that ultimately increases the North’s beef production by $4 billion a year?” To which Deputy Prime Minister responded with, “we’d be happy to consider that.”

“I think it is only fit and proper that we start working on further irrigation infrastructure throughout this nation.

“There are so many irrigation schemes that have been looked at through Queensland. We have 14 studies that we have now committed to in Queensland all the way from the south of the state from Emu Swamp right up into the member for Kennedy's neck of the woods,” said Deputy Prime Minister Joyce.

Mr Katter opened his Question with the troublesome scourge of Prickly Acacia in Qld, “Is the Government is aware that 7 of North Qld’s 100 million hectares is now Prickly Acacia infestation?” said Mr Katter.

Deputy Prime Minister Joyce said the Government also understands concern about Prickly Acacia, “and that is why we have a substantive amount of money that is on the table—$100 million in one section—towards research and development grants. Part of that is to look at the biosecurity measures,” said Deputy Prime Minister Joyce.

Bob Katter’s Question to the Deputy Prime Minister:

To the Deputy Prime Minister:

Government is aware that 7 of North Qld’s 100 million hectares is now Prickly Acacia infestation.

The Nth’s cattle herd dwindles at 4.5 million. Whilst turn-off is only 1in 6 half the nation’s 1 in 3.

Qld is considering the “Riverways and Grassland Improvement Plan”.

Will the Minister consider providing $2.5 million for engineering and construction planning for Hughenden- the first micro-irrigation scheme in a “Plan” that ultimately increases the North’s beef production by $4 billion a year?

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