Drought Assistance

The Hon. S.L. GAME (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries about drought support and building dams.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: It has been well documented that the current drought has left many South Australian farm dams dry or drying up, meaning no feed on the ground for cattle or sheep. Farmers on the eastern side of the Mount Lofty Ranges are required to limit flows into their own dams to allow water to flow into Lake Alexandrina then out to sea. Development approvals and conditions required under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 have restricted dam development and modification on farms around this state. My question to the minister is: will the government be reviewing its farm dam policy to allow farmers to have up to a four-megalitre dam for every 100 acres of their own land without permit or government charge?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for her question. I think she has shown a long-term interest in the issues facing our farmers and, in particular, the issue of drought. The Landscape South Australia Act of course is committed to the Minister for Water in the other place, but I think the matters the honourable member raises are certainly worthy of consideration.

I am happy to have further discussions and see whether there are changes that can be made. Obviously, all of the aspects need to be taken into consideration, including any impacts on others, apart from those who own the land. I am happy to come back with an answer for the honourable member.