The proposed 15 Mile Irrigated Agricultural Development Project on the banks of the Flinders River near Hughenden has gained special status to advance.

Flinders Shire Council’s plan for a 918ha irrigated agricultural development has been declared a coordinated project, to create jobs and drive sustainable economic activity in the region.

State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said, if approved, the development would create an initial 60ha of irrigated land for table grapes and 60ha of citrus crops for market.

“Declaring this project a coordinated project will help streamline approvals and fast-track delivery of this regionally significant project,” he said.

The project would require an investment of up to $47 million at full development, Mr Dick said.

Mr Dick said the council was working with a number of private investors, with a few already committed, to realise the full potential of the development.

Mayor Jane McNamara welcomed the declaration, saying this regionally significant project would increase agriculture production along the Flinders River.

“Council revitalised this project as we could see the benefits it will bring to the region and have been progressively engaging with private investors to bring it to fruition,” Cr McNamara said.

“We look forward to working with the State Government, and our private investors,  on this project that we believe can be replicated across Queensland.”

Flinders Shire Council will now undertake an impact assessment report (IAR) to investigate the potential impacts of the project.