FARMERS across the Murray-Darling Basin — the lifeblood of Australia’s food and fibre production — are under increasing pressure.
Government changes have reallocated 3200 gigalitres of irrigation water to environmental flows, much of it unmetered and flowing out to sea, creating dire consequences for regional food production.
The Gannawarra region alone is losing $1.3 billion annually, and these impacts are expected to worsen.
The reduction in water availability for farm use is severely affecting food and fibre production, directly influencing the current cost of living for Australian households. As more farmers are forced out of the industry due to ineffective policies, the situation at the supermarket is set to deteriorate compromising the Nations reliable and safe food supply.
Environmental water flooding is now real and with no on ground mitigation work in sight, it will continue to disrupt rural communities’ livelihoods.
Water that could be used to secure our future is instead wasted, and the effects on businesses and families are profound. With no immediate action, rural communities continue to shoulder the burden of poor management decisions.
The disappearance of rural services is another blow to farmers.
From the closure of bank branches to a lack of medical and dental services, rural Australians are increasingly being forced to travel longer distances on deteriorating roads just to access the basics.
The loss of vital infrastructure is leaving our agricultural sector more vulnerable to both economic and logistical pressures.
If politicians are serious about national security and our agricultural future, they need to start prioritising the needs of rural and regional Australians.
It’s time to stop ignoring the crucial role farmers play in feeding our nation.
Geoff Kendell
Co-chair
Central Murray Environmental Floodplains Group
