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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-04-30 Daily Xml
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Drought Assistance

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:33): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister speak to the chamber about the bulk water being made available at Bundaleer Reservoir to help drought-affected farmers?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:33): I thank the honourable member for his question.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: I am very pleased to announce that, through the state government's extensive $73 million drought support package, an emergency water supply for livestock and primary production has been made from today at the Bundaleer Reservoir in the Mid North. This was made possible through a $500,000 allocation of funds. This bulk water collection point will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm initially for primary producers needing emergency water for livestock or other primary production purposes. Producers can access the reservoir via Wheat Sarah Road, off Goyder Highway, and there is currently no limit to the amount of water that can be taken from the collection point.

The emergency water collection point will assist farmers in retaining their core breeding livestock. SA Water will of course be carefully monitoring uptake of water from the Bundaleer Reservoir with regard to supply and demand. The opening hours will be able to be amended if necessary to enable producers in need of emergency water to be able to access it. Of course, the water levels of the reservoir will also be carefully monitored to ensure the populations of native fish, including Murray cod and golden perch, are not adversely affected.

This initiative is another example of how the government's extensive drought package has been thoughtfully designed to address various areas of need. We have acted on direct feedback received from extensive engagement with industry, primary producers and our communities affected by drought. The $73 million package addresses a wide range of needs, including extensions to measures from our initial package, more funding for mental health support, pest management measures, immediate financial relief for those who need it and programs to help regional communities affected by the flow-on effects of drought. Our engagement will continue as the drought package continues to roll out, and I look forward to continuing to work with those affected.

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