High Hopes For Lakeland Regional Hub

SONJA JOHNSON

: (07) 4041 1729

: info@rdatropicalnorth.org.au

Chief Executive Officer Regional Development Australia

Tropical North (RDA)

Lakeland, the tiny rural gateway to Cape York Peninsula, will be transformed into a regional hub with schools, a hospital and other community services if the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme goes ahead.

The current small population of just 300 does not support the community infrastructure we take for granted in regional cities, but that will change if a year-round water supply opens up the region’s rich soils for agriculture.

It would mean reliable health care, new schools, retail outlets, cafes and gyms creating diverse employment in the area.

The Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme involves building a 205,000ML dam about 23km south-west of Lakeland on the Palmer River and the construction of a 12km gravityfed water supply scheme to Lakeland.

It would create hundreds of jobs at the township, 81km south-west of Cooktown, and bring in more than $400 million per annum to the region.

The Lakeland community and the Traditional Owners, the Western Yalanji, are excited about the substantial social and economic benefits that the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme would bring.

Community consultation has been ongoing since March 2017 with widespread support in Lakeland and Cook Shire for water security to increase the agricultural potential of Lakeland.

Developing the Lakeland region for agriculture aligns with the Federal Government’s Developing Northern Australia Policy.

Currently the available water allows for 1300ha of agriculture. The scheme would enable an additional 8250ha of land which is already cleared to be used for irrigated cropping.

The rich volcanic soil and ideal climate for growing allows farmers to adopt more sustainable farm practices with methods such as composting to reduce costs and lessen the impact on the environment.

Reliable water will provide the confidence required for investment in long-term business operations and enable the region to develop as a food bowl.

It will provide food security for Australia with sealed roads providing all-weather access to market. When roads isolate Cape York Peninsula during the wet season, it will give communities access to a reliable food supply. Secondary industries such as processing, canning, drying and manufacturing will be viable if Lakeland develops into a food bowl.

It will be a game changer for a sparsely populated area and provide the opportunity to plan a new efficient town centre.

Cook Shire Council is planning ahead for the anticipated growth by securing 11.3ha of land adjacent to the Lakeland township to allow for expansion of local government infrastructure, essential services, housing and commercial usage.

The Lakeland Area Irrigation Project will provide the opportunity to elevate the ailing Closing the Gap report card by providing jobs and increased medical services for the local Indigenous people.

It would create opportunities for local Indigenous employment during the dam construction and once it is operational.

The Detailed Business Case will be finalised in May 2023 and then released to the public.

Regional Development Australia Tropical North is an independent agency driven by community leaders to broker regional development solutions that will create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.