The petition of electors of the Division of Lockyer draws to the attention of the House, that current level of water use for irrigation in the Lockyer Valley is unsustainable. In a discussion paper prepared by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (p. 2) it was written: ‘Despite the introduction of significant water infrastructure, the Lockyer Valley is recognised as a stressed groundwater area, with groundwater use continuing to exceed the estimated sustainable yield'.

As a result of continuing over-extraction of groundwater, many farmers, especially in the Central and Lower Lockyer have diminished water supplies, making once prosperous farms unviable. We believe that this is the cause of the current downturn in the economy of the valley and of the disruption of its social fabric.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to direct the Minister for Water Supply to publish in the local newspaper, the Gatton, Lockyer and Brisbane Valley Star, an account of the mechanics of how the alluvial groundwater in the Lockyer Valley is replenished and why the installation of significant water infrastructure in the valley has been unable to prevent further stress to the groundwater system. This would explain to local citizens the cause of the problem.

Also, it is asked that he explain what needs to be done to remedy this unsatisfactory situation and restore the economy of the valley to its former prosperity.