Pipeline to the future

Mackays Group operate a portfolio of large-scale tropical fruit farms in Queensland’s Far North. They are committed to minimising the environmental impact of their agricultural operations, investing in infrastructure and technology.

With the recent years of La Niña now behind us and the drier conditions of El Niño ahead, Mackays Group have been proactive in engaging Growcom’s Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) to assist in upgrading the water infrastructure at the Group’s Gold Tyne farm in Lakeland.

Currently bananas are the main crop grown at Gold Tyne. Passionfruit, avocados, lychees, and broad acre crops have also been established on the 1,724-hectare property.

Located in a region that predominantly relies on adequate rainfall, with limited water allocation, Mackays Group recognise that water security is paramount to Gold Tyne’s future prosperity.

Working with Growcom’s Resilience Manager, Karen George, Mackays Group were able to build climate adaptation and associated risks into their business plan. Furthermore, the Group were able to provide QRIDA detailed information about their intended water infrastructure development to secure a Drought Preparedness Grant.

Gold Tyne is sustained through a groundwater allocation, together with a water offtake agreement from the Nina Dam, as well as a licensed water storage situated on an adjoining property.

Funding from the successful grant application contributed to the Group building an 800-metre extension to a 4.5-kilometre pipeline connecting Ninda Dam and the turkey’s nest to Gold Tyne’s irrigation network. Construction of this pipleline has effectively doubled the property’s 2,000ML groundwater allocation.

The infrastructure upgrade bolstered the Group’s agribusiness on two fronts.

First, the additional irrigable land is a critical step towards realising Gold Tyne’s full cropping potential.

Second, this added water security means the farm can maintain operation levels that ensure continuation of best management practices during times of drought.

Fully developing Gold Tyne will benefit the wider Lakeland economy. Increased on-farm activity means more employment opportunities for farm workers, related agricultural industry specialists, contractors, and suppliers necessary to sustain operations.

Growcom’s Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) is assisting horticultural growers to identify gaps in their current farm management systems and develop plans that support growth and aid in mitigating the impacts of future droughts.

Using Growcom’s best management practice platform, Hort360 growers can easily undertake a gap-analysis and develop their Resilience Plan using the inbuilt template. Financial assistance is also available through QRIDA.