South Australian farmers, facing unprecedented drought conditions, have taken their battle for more government action to the steps of Parliament House in Adelaide. Despite severe dry conditions, the water allocations from the Murray River have been maintained by the government, according to Water Minister Susan Close. However, the farmers, along with state opposition members, are calling for these unused water allocations to be redirected to provide drought relief.
The farmers' protest has unfolded against the backdrop of what some are describing as an "invisible disaster," with many fearing for their future if no sustainable plan is devised to ensure water availability. Premier Peter Malinauskas has expressed concern about the toll the drought is taking on the state's agricultural and livestock sector and assured that his government is prepared to provide more relief.
Farmers and Opposition Unite for Change
About 20 primary producers from across South Australia gathered at Parliament House to petition for enhanced drought support. The farmers, grappling with record low rainfall and water shortages, sought answers from Premier Malinauskas during question time. They were joined by Nicola Centofanti, who advocated for the redirection of unused Murray-Darling Basin water allocations into regional reservoirs.
"We're really calling on the government to make available any unused water allocation, subject to a sensible reserve for carryover … for our farmers," said Nicola Centofanti.
Susan Close highlighted the importance of carefully considering any plans to redirect water allocations to ensure Adelaide's water security is not compromised during dry years.
"Before any … suggestions could be progressed practically, we would need to carefully consider the implications for Adelaide's water security in dry years," noted Susan Close.
Calls for Government Action
Farmers like Andrew Kitto and Steph Schmidt have voiced their struggles, emphasizing the critical need for government intervention. Kitto underscored the urgency of the situation, citing dwindling water supplies as a pressing concern.
"It is really serious because water is running out, in the last three weeks bores have run dry; the dams are dry," said Andrew Kitto.
Steph Schmidt, a Worlds End farmer and qualified psychologist, described the drought's toll on farmers and criticized the lack of government recognition of their plight.
"When we hit these years that are so gut-wrenchingly hard, without any validation and recognition from the government, it takes its ongoing toll," explained Steph Schmidt.
Premier Malinauskas acknowledged these concerns and expressed his readiness to expedite relief measures.
"If we can do that in a way that is expedited, in advance of the budget, but in the context of the budget, then we'll obviously grab that opportunity," stated Peter Malinauskas.
Water Management Strategies Under Scrutiny
The current water allocation plan has come under scrutiny amidst calls for reform. Rosalie Auricht, CEO of Renmark Irrigation Trust, defended the existing framework as effective for managing water scarcity in challenging times.
"South Australia's processes are well placed to manage water scarcity," said Rosalie Auricht.
Nonetheless, Nicola Centofanti suggested leveraging resources like the Lonsdale desalination plant, which supplies Adelaide with unrestricted water, as a potential avenue for relief.
