AustraliaΆs newest cotton crop could soon be blooming across QueenslandΆs northern outback, following the decision to allocate 95,000 megaliters of water for irrigation along the Flinders and Gilbert Rivers around Richmond.

Michael Murray, policy manager for Queensland with Cotton Australia, says production possibilities for the region had been recognized for a long time, with research crops in the mid-1990s demonstrating the areaΆs potential to sustainably grow cotton, along with a small number of commercial crops.

“While this newly allocated water will be available for a variety of uses, cotton is probably the best returning annual crop for the area on a gross margin basis,” Murray said. “Combine that with our focus on increasing water efficiency – along with the cotton industryΆs track record for supporting new entrants by sharing research information – and we would expect to see significant interest from potential new cotton growers along the Flinders River Agricultural Precinct.”

He says making this initial water available is just the beginning and both the Federal and Queensland government will now need to seriously look at the provision of additional water and infrastructure.

“Cotton could bring jobs and investment into the Flinders River Catchment, providing growth for towns like Richmond and Hughenden, but capitalising on that potential means weΆll need better roads, improved transport links and government support for an eventual cotton gin,” Murray said.