General News
21 December, 2025
Water new gold for farmers
WATER has been highlighted as the key to the future of Mossman’s agricultural sector.
More than 100 people attended the AgFutures field day on Saturday 6 December, keen to explore new farming options to sugarcane, including timber, sorghum, soybeans, beef cattle, cocoa and bana grass.
Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (QDPI), the North Queensland Regional Forestry Hub (NQRFH), the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) and Douglas Shire Council (DSC) took part in talks with water access top of the agenda.
Member for Cook David Kempton stressed that access to water was pivotal to the success of high value crops and double plantings. “Water is essential for supporting industries and agriculture. Expanding availability to year-round water access will create opportunities for new agricultural ventures,” he said.
Mr Kempton said the state government was currently reviewing the available water in the immediate area.
Water licenses
Local resident Professor Christopher Saint told North Region Water Resource Management executive director Fomiatti Minnesma that some farmers had asked about licenses for taking water that they might need for new crops.
Ms Fomiatti Minnesma said the granting of licenses would be on a case-by-case basis for both surface water and ground water.
She said farmers needed to understand that water was specific to their location.
“We need to know what water you require and where. Additionally, we need to identify whether it is groundwater, surface water or overlay flow water,” Ms Fomiatti Minnesma said.
She also mentioned the ‘unlocking water project’ aimed at ensuring that vital industries, supply chains and communities had the water they need to thrive and sustain economic growth.
She encouraged further discussions around water and the establishment of a working group.
Prof Saint, who is a former research, development and innovation director at the Australian Water Quality Centre in Adelaide, also asked if there was some plan for ‘integrated water management’ or were they considering this into the future.
“This is the modern approach to maximising water resources ensuring continuity of supply all year by also using stormwater and treated wastewater as part of the overall mix and replenishing groundwater that can be drawn on in the drier months,” he said.
Ms Fomiatti Minnesma said there was a water plan, but that proposal wasn’t included.
Quick action needed
Mr Kempton said he believed something needed to be done quickly.
He said, while there was no silver bullet for the long-term transition from cane, there was reason for hope and optimism for the Mossman farming community.
He said the event highlighted the importance of government support in terms of financial advice, agronomic expertise, farm planning strategies, water resource management and mental health and wellbeing support.
“The ($6 million) funds for the farming community are not prescribed or time-limited. As Graeme Bolton, director general of DPI said, there is $6m available to assist farmers, however, we need your ideas,” he said.
Ideas wanted for $6m
“I encourage you to come forward with your proposals for support, whether that includes agronomy or financial advice at an individual level and industry level.”
Mossman Canegrowers chairman Matt Watson said the event was beneficial and embraced by the farming community.
“It was very well received from all the growers and the other government parties that were there,” he said.
“I got a chance to catch up with a few people myself and to hear from people who want to do things in the area,” he said.
“Government departments also commented that they had a lot of people talking to them and taking their cards.
“While everyone may not speak to them there and then, generally, people will follow that up later on, one-on-one.”
‘Positive event’
Douglas Shire Deputy Mayor Roy Zammataro said the field day was positive.
“Saturday was all about looking ahead and exploring what’s possible for local agriculture,” he said.
“It was encouraging to see growers, industry leaders and the community come together with a shared focus on innovation and sustainability,” he said.
Cr Zammataro said “hopefully, the connections made at the field day will help identify new opportunities for those farmers transitioning away from sugar cane.
“Douglas Shire Council is committed to supporting that journey.”
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