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Macadamia growers seek clarity and long-term commitment on Paradise Dam

The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) says long-term water security remains critical to the future of macadamia production in the Bundaberg region following recent public discussion regarding Paradise Dam.

Bundaberg is Australia's largest macadamia growing region and accounts for more than half of national macadamia production. The region continues to attract significant domestic and international investment in permanent horticulture, including growing interest in sustainable agriculture and natural capital projects linked to macadamias.

AMS Chief Executive Officer Ben Baldwin said Bundaberg macadamia growers had invested heavily in the region over many years on the basis of long-term commitments around water security and future agricultural growth.

"AMS and our growers have been engaged in discussions around Paradise Dam and regional water security from the outset, working alongside government, Sunwater and other stakeholders as plans for the region's future have evolved," Mr Baldwin said.

"Our growers have built businesses, created jobs and invested in orchards, infrastructure and regional communities in good faith.

"Macadamia growers invest for decades, not seasons. As a permanent tree crop, macadamias require confidence that long-term water security and infrastructure planning will stand up in all seasons, both wet and dry.

"There are also substantial areas of younger orchards across the region yet to reach full production, making future water reliability critically important for growers planning decades ahead."

Australia's macadamia industry now has more than 46,000 hectares planted nationally and exports premium product to more than 40 countries worldwide.

Mr Baldwin said reliable water infrastructure underpinned grower confidence, regional employment, export growth and continued investment across one of Australia's most important horticultural regions.

"The Queensland Government has recognised the importance of long-term agricultural growth and regional development through its Prosper 2050 strategy, which our industry strongly supported," he said.

"Water security directly shapes the decisions our growers make about orchard expansion, future investment, employment and long-term productivity.

"It influences whether growers invest with confidence for the future, and whether regional businesses and processing facilities can continue planning for growth."

Mr Baldwin said the Queensland Government had made a commitment to rebuild Paradise Dam, and AMS expected that commitment to be honoured.

"This is not a question of whether the dam will be rebuilt - it’s a question of how soon the commitment will be delivered for growers, regional communities and the long-term future of Australian horticulture," he said.

"Our growers need confidence that the water security underpinning the Bundaberg region will remain in place for decades to come.

"Future-proofing Australian macadamia production requires long-term infrastructure planning, resilience and confidence in the systems that support regional agriculture."