Electricity price cap for irrigation farmers

Queesland farmers have been given a reprieve from high electricity price hikes, with the State Government announcing price rises for the coming financial year would be capped at 10 per cent for farming and irrigation customers.

Queensland Farmer’s Federation (QFF) chief executive officer Dan Galligan said the move would give the industry breathing space and allow government time to determine realistic, long-term options for farming and irrigation customers.

“Farmers have been facing significant year-on-year rises and the 20 per cent rise was a serious threat to the viability of many of our energy-dependent intensive agricultural industries. We know a 10 per cent rise is still significant, but this reprieve is a very welcome move from the Newman Government, and is recognising the important economic contribution that agriculture makes to the State and regional economies,” he said.

Mr Galligan acknowledged it will work with the State Government to propose solutions for the, “very complex policy area”.

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