Droughtproofing and major water projects key issues for farmers considering next Queensland Government

Still waiting for rain, farmers in Queensland's key horticultural regions say investment in dams and pipelines will create hundreds of jobs and help droughtproof the state's fruit and vegetable production. Key points: Queensland fruit and vegetable farmers want the next State Government to fast track water infrastructure projects They say the proposed Emu Swamp Dam on the Granite Belt would help drought-proof the region, which has suffered a 50 per cent drop in production Vegetable growers in the Lockyer Valley also say a pipeline from Wivenhoe Dam would help create hundreds of new jobs The Granite Belt in southern Queensland produces around $300 million worth of fruit and vegetables each year, and is the second-largest apple growing region in the country. Largest ever private investment in water Many growers in the Granite Belt believe the construction of the proposed Emu Swamp Dam will provide the water security they need. Mr Baronio said it was critical the next State Government fast tracks the Emu Swamp Dam, which he said was the most important infrastructure project in the region. Southern Queensland vegetable grower Anthony Staatz says investment in water infrastructure would see hundreds of new jobs created Water security is also a top priority for farmers in Queensland's salad bowl region, the Lockyer Valley.