Riverland hailstorm damage bill tallies up to $23m
Riverland growers are hoping for Government assistance as they count their losses from this month’s hailstorm, with the damage bill exceeding $23 million.
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Crop losses totalling more than $23 million have been recorded from this month’s hailstorm in the Riverland, with more than 130 growers affected.
The State Government yesterday released the figures, showing grape growers were the largest group affected, suffering $8.4 million damage among 30 people.
However, the damage to citrus crops tallied $9.2 million, affecting just three growers.
Stonefruits, nuts, cereals and vegetables were also affected during the storm on November 4.
Citrus Australia SA Region chairman Steve Burdette said government-led assistance would be welcomed to help growers get back on their feet, but it needed to be tailored to individuals’ needs.
“One grower may say, ‘I want an interest free loan’. Or a grower may say, ‘I just want a business plan to help me recover so I can manage my cash flow’,” Mr Burdette said.
“Whatever actions they agree to, they must implement them as soon as possible. Some of these growers are under severe stress and mental stress.”
CCW Co-operative Limited represents about 520 wine-grape growers in the Riverland and chief executive Sean Cole said the production value of lost crops at its members’ properties totalled $4.3 million.
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“About a dozen growers lost over 80 per cent of their crop, which for many means harvesting the grapes this coming vintage is not viable.
“This essentially sees this year’s production abandoned.”
Mr Cole said CCW was focusing on growers’ wellbeing through support and hail recovery meetings.
“We appeal to the South Australian and Federal Government to consider additional financial assistance and support,” he said.
Some Riverland growers are still recovering from another large hailstorm during 2016, which caused $74 million damage to crops.