SA MPs Nick McBride, Troy Bell discuss impact of southeastern drought

Crossbench MPs are keen for SA Agriculture Minister Clare Scriven to increase funds for drought-stricken farmers.

Independent MPs representing South Australia’s drought-stricken southeastern region have urged Adelaide and Canberra to open up assistance for farmers.

Bureau of Meteorology data shows the Limestone Coast region had experienced its lowest rainfall on record in the past 12 months, according to its rainfall percentile mapping.

Districts covered in the lowest rainfall red zone include Keith, Kingston SE, Millicent, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Padthaway, Penola and Tintinara.

MacKillop MP Nick McBride said the specifications around the threshold drought declaration were opaque.

He said he made contact with South Australian Agriculture Minister Clare Scriven’s office to advocate for a declaration and still hoped action would be taken in the coming months.

“From the observations of many in agriculture, drought conditions are clear right along the southern Australian coast – from Perth to Melbourne,” the Naracoorte based MP said.

“It’s been an extraordinary period for farmers with the drop in commodity prices and now climatic conditions really exacerbating the situation financially.

“My view is the federal government benefits in tax revenue from farming, providing assistance now keeps the cycle going.”

South Australian Agriculture Minister Clare Scriven. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell encouraged farmers to contribute to Regional Development Australia’s draft regional drought resilience plan to outline how the dry has impacted their businesses.

“Farmers in the Limestone Coast are having a tough time at the moment,” the independent MP said.

“The lack of rainfall has seen many farmers forced to provide supplementary feed for their livestock.

“With premium prices now being paid for the limited hay that is available it is further placing our farmers under additional financial strain.

“Added to this is the high cost of fuel and freight costs to transport the hay that is desperately needed.”

SA Agriculture Minister Clare Scriven said the South Australian Government were “monitoring current seasonal conditions very closely.”

“The Australian and South Australian governments have invested in programs to help farmers grow and prepare their businesses for dry conditions, by providing farm business resilience planning, climate tools and demonstrating more drought resilient farming practices under the Future Drought Fund,” Ms Scriven said.

“There is also support for drought readiness through the Farm Management Deposit Scheme, income tax averaging and other primary producer concessions.

“Programs currently in place to help farmers through hard times, include the Department of Primary Industries and Regions’ Family and Business Support mentors, Rural Financial Counselling Service, Farm Household Allowance, concessional loans, and mental health and wellbeing support.

“These ongoing programs mean farmers do not need to wait for assistance.”

The SA impasse over drought declaration is mirrored in Victoria, with leading farmers recently travelling to Melbourne to argue their case.

Australian Dairy Farmers president Ben Bennett and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free met with Agriculture Victoria officials in the state capital, telling officials the drought southwest Victoria was the worst the region had experienced since 1967.