LOWER BURDEKIN ECONOMIC IMPACTS

Engaged by the Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources, Mining and Energy NCEconomics was asked to examine the impacts of different groundwater and salinity management options in the Lower Burdekin Groundwater region. We utilised groundwater modelling outputs to map out groundwater levels and impact on sugarcane yields under different management strategies. Our focus was on the economic impacts for sugarcane growers, local sugarcane milling plants and other direct stakeholders. We compared the estimated economic outcomes of a “do-nothing” scenario to the benefits and costs of various intervention options in a benefit-cost analysis. The results will be used by the department and other stakeholders for informing intervention strategies and setting-priorities in groundwater salinity management.