QCA to review irrigation prices

IRRIGATION prices set by Sunwater and Seqwater will be reviewed and farmers are being asked to participate in the exercise.

The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) will review irrigation prices for in a bid to ensure the costs are reasonable, transparent and efficient.

To allow time for the businesses and QCA to consult with irrigators, the State Government is extending a 15 per cent water discount to 202425.

The government has also confirmed that as part of this process, irrigation prices will soon be capped at the QCA’s assessed cost reflective level, often referred to as the lower bound price.

“The independent regulator will undertake detailed review, talking to irrigators and other stakeholders so that we strike the right balance between the interests of customers and water providers,” Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said.

just like their gluten-filled counterparts, so people won’t be able to tell the difference.

“It is so hard to get gluten free desserts that you like and don’t have a sandy consistency or is not dry, where people taste it and immediately know it is gluten free,” she said.

“For me, my goal is to make gluten free desserts that anyone can enjoy not just people who need it.

“If it is your birthday and you are celiac, I want you to be able to order a birthday cake and share it with your friends and family and they won’t be able to taste the difference.”

RECENTLY reaching their first year in business, locally owned and family operated Marsh Electrical FNQ is quickly becoming the go-to provider for rural electrical services across the Tablelands.

Owner Brentan Marsh is a Tablelands born and bred local and brings over 16 years of experience across a range of fields within the electrical industry, with specialised skills and strong interest in the agricultural industry.

Brentan has experience providing a multitude of electrical services, specialising in meeting the needs of the smallest grower to large-scale farming enterprises.

His passion is providing innovative solutions for Tablelands growers – whether this be within irrigation controls, pump controls, automation, variable frequency drives (VFDs), control boards or processing and packaging machinery.

“I love working with a grower to install a system that reduces their workload or electricity costs,” he said.

“Sometimes this is through a VFD, other times through automation and control.”

Whatever your rural electrical needs are,

“Queensland is one of Australia’s major food bowls, so we owe it to our growers to ensure they’re getting a good deal, for what they contribute to the Queensland economy.

“The government will consider the QCA review, including the views of customers and stakeholders, before making a decision on prices.”

The review will inform prices to apply from 2025-26 to 2028-29

Sunwater and Seqwater own and operate more than 30 water supply schemes which supply water to around 6,000 irrigation customers throughout Queensland including Tinaroo Falls Dam.

Marsh Electrical FNQ has you covered, working closely with automation distributors and motor manufacturers to provide tailored solutions and direct access to quality products.

Brentan has dedicated his career to specialising in the agricultural industry, having not only worked extensively across the Tablelands but also for irrigation specialists in SEQ – strengthening his skills and expertise with all models of pumps and irrigators.

The business has recently brought on board a third-year apprentice, Ethan, cementing their commitment to providing local employment and upskilling next generation rural electricians.

“We are proud to celebrate our first year in business and look forward to continuing to provide high- quality electrical solutions to growers within the Atherton Tablelands region and beyond,” Brentan said.

To learn more about their services visit their website at www.marshelectricalfnq.com.au. You can also get in touch by phoning Brentan on 0437 973 016 or emailing brentan@marshelectricalfnq.com.au.