Qld seeks comment on massive farm project

A proposed farming project in north Queensland would be bigger than two small European countries and include grazing land, crops and water storage.

Queensland's government has called for public comment on a proposed agriculture project that would be bigger than Luxembourg and Liechtenstein combined.

The planned Etheridge Integrated Agricultural Project in north Queensland will include about 325,000 hectares of grazing land, crops, water storage and infrastructure.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says it would produce sugar and guar for Asian markets and longer-term plans could potentially include a sugar mill, a meat processing plant, aquaculture and renewable energy facilities.

Mr Seeney has called for the public to comment on the draft terms of reference for the environmental impact statement.

"I encourage interested parties to comment during this process which will examine the potential environmental, economic and social impacts and opportunities of a proposed agricultural hub west of Georgetown," Mr Seeney said in a statement on Saturday.

"The environmental impact statement process should not be construed as the green light for the project to proceed - it is just the first step in what will be a lengthy and rigorous assessment of the proposed project."

Members of the public can comment on the environmental impact statement's draft terms of reference until February 10.

The state coordinator-general will then thoroughly review the terms of reference and release the final version for the proponent to address in its environmental impact statement.


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Source: AAP


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