South Burnett residents are calling for greater certainty around water security with concerns vital groundwater resources must be properly assessed before construction begins on the proposed Tarong West Wind Farm.
Kumbia resident Tony Dugdell said the community supported renewable energy projects that were responsibly planned, but there were overall concerns that protecting regional water resources was fundamental to both farming and the long-term success of any major development.
"This isn't about opposing renewable energy projects, however good planning means making sure the communities hosting these projects aren't left carrying unnecessary risks when these projects are completed.
“Water is the lifeblood of every farming community, and South Burnett locals deserve confidence that all options have been properly considered before construction begins,” Mr Dugdell said.
According to project information, the Tarong West Wind Farm is expected to require approximately 24 million litres of water every month during peak construction for up to three years. This does not include the additional water required to service the proposed workforce accommodation camp.
Mr Dugdell said people often hear the words 'wind farm' and assume very little water is required, however water will be required for a variety of projects including concrete production, construction of access roads, upgrades to the local road network, dust suppression, vehicle washdown facilities, site buildings and the day-to-day needs of hundreds of construction workers.
"The reality is very different. Twenty-four million litres every month is an enormous volume of water. It's roughly equivalent to the average monthly water use of around 5,000 people. In a region where farming families have spent generations carefully managing limited groundwater supplies, that's something the community quite rightly wants to understand."
The project is located within the Burnett Basin, one of only two unregulated groundwater basins in Queensland. Many farming properties throughout the district rely on low-yield bores for stock and domestic water supplies, with neighbouring landholders often working cooperatively to share water during dry periods.
Mr Dugdell said local knowledge suggested groundwater in the district was often limited in both quantity and quality, making long-term water security a critical issue for farming families.
"Anyone who has farmed in this part of Queensland understands how precious groundwater is for farming cattle, sheep and crops as well as domestic use. When people in the city hear 24 million litres, it can sound like a lot of water, however, out here we know every litre matters because our farms, especially cattle and sheep as well as broadacre crops depend on it.
“We are literally one drought away from disaster, water isn't something you can take for granted in regional Queensland. If a bore is impacted, recovery can take months or years, and in some cases groundwater systems may never fully recover. That's why this issue deserves careful consideration.
"It's about making sure major projects are properly planned and that the long-term needs of farming communities are considered alongside the benefits they bring. We believe communities deserve to know where the water will come from, what safeguards will be in place, and how neighbouring landholders and groundwater resources will be protected.
"The success of renewable energy shouldn't come at the expense of the communities that host these projects," he said.
Locals are encouraged to visit the Kingaroy Not for Sale Facebook page for more information.
Contact details:
Peppi Bueti Director Sunny Comms
0447 1313 06
