Creating the great Australian foodbowl

The water will actually go in two directions, as there is a watershed about 100kms south of the Townsville-to-Mount Isa Railway. To the north of that, the water runs to the Gulf of Carpentaria; a few kilometers away, the rivers run south.

That southern-bound water needs a massive influx from the north, but this can be achieved by running water from an enlarged Burdekin Falls Dam into Lake Galilee and on to the Thomson River.

Whenever I write about water and food for export, the phones start ringing and emails flow in from people who have minds that are dominated by negativity, or who say that the cost is prohibitive, or that the natural environment will be wrecked, or that we will destroy indigenous culture by developing the Inland, or that there are more important things to do like ensuring that their footy club is solvent.

I suggest that none of us should take the slightest notice of them. I will just let them happily boast to their mates over a few drinks that they have had yet another good day during which they perpetuated their sad world of yesteryear by saying 'no' to something that might have threatened their dreary world. While they are doing that, we will find a way to win.

I am heartened by the shining example of people like retired Sydney water engineer, Terry Bowring, who has put years of work into finding water for the greening of Australia, and who is cheering loudly that Andrew Robb has thrown his hat into the ring. You should chat with Terry about his thoughts on the plan that I have outlined above and, more importantly, the far more extensive plans that he has developed over many years. He has had vast experience with the harnessing and usage of water and he has a rare talent. He is a visionary and a wonderful example of what grey-haired old guys can do for Australia if they are given a chance. His email is t.b.a@bigpond.com.