Dametto calls for water infrastructure funding to boost agricultural diversification in Hinchinbrook

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto at the Herbert River.

23 October 2024

As Hinchinbrook heads into the state election, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto is once again calling on the State Government to fund critical water infrastructure projects that will support farmers and unlock the region’s agricultural potential.

Mr Dametto has highlighted the urgent need to capture the millions of gigalitres of water that flows through the Herbert valley and its tributaries during the wet season, much of which is currently lost.

“Locals know all too well that we get all our rain at once. If we ever want to truly diversify agriculture in this region, particularly through rotational cropping alongside sugarcane, we need to start capturing this water to irrigate during the dry,” Mr Dametto said.

“Both the Herbert River and Stone River systems offer untapped potential for water storage, but these projects require State Government backing. We need an incoming government to fund a comprehensive study to assess the viability of water storage infrastructure, including weirs or a deviation project at the top of the Herbert River.

“I’ve been working closely with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for several years who have been in discussions with local growers about water storage options that could be explored. We all agree that weirs in this area could provide the irrigation necessary to maximise crop yields across the entire Herbert region.

“We’re sick of seeing regional development being held back by government inaction.

“Water infrastructure projects fall under the Department of Water, and they should be taking the lead here. We have the land, the farmers, and the rain – what we need is the infrastructure to capture and store that water so we can make this district an agricultural powerhouse.”

In light of the upcoming election, Mr. Dametto has called out both major parties for their short-sighted approach to water projects across the whole of North Queensland.

“We need investment in our regions, and we need it now,” he said.

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