Calls are intensifying for the Malinauskas Labor Government to declare the drought ravaging South Australia an emergency.
The groundswell of support for the Opposition’s call for a State of Emergency declaration, includes thousands signing a farmer’s petition and local councils - including the Grant District Council and Naracoorte Lucindale Council - making heartfelt appeals and formal motions in meetings.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia visited the Mid North on Wednesday alongside Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Nicola Centofanti and said the shocking reality of the conditions facing farmers was heartbreaking.
"To stand in the middle of a bone dry paddock with distraught farmers brought home to me just how much is on the line for farming families across the state,” Mr Tarzia said.
“It’s clear that conditions hit crisis point months ago, and farmers have been contacting our offices daily, describing their frustration at the tone-deaf response from the Labor Government.
“There is no doubt that declaring these drought conditions an emergency would unlock further funding and improve coordinated support.
“Instead of chasing quick headlines, it’s time for Premier Malinauskas to get his boots dirty and stand with our farmers.”
Dr Nicola Centofanti said farmers are going to extreme lengths just to survive the current conditions, including:
- Destocking livestock because they can no longer afford to keep them alive.
- Attempting to sell off parts of their farms to pay debts off.
- Purchasing feed at record prices due to limited supply.
- Spending every cent they have on feed and seed.
- Coordinating their own hay runs from interstate, with supply now at record lows.
“Here’s the truth - with the political will, the Government can declare this drought an emergency. They’re just choosing not to,” Dr Centofanti said.
“This is not just about financial support for our farmers, it goes beyond that. We need to safeguard the future of the agricultural industry here in South Australia because our food security is at stake.
“Our farmers don’t need platitudes, they need relief from government fees and charges, subsidies for water carting, or low or no-interest loans for essentials such as fodder and fertiliser. Support like this will actually hit the mark.
“The time for monitoring the drought is over, the Premier needs to step up and treat this emergency with the seriousness it deserves. The land is cracked, creeks and dams are bone dry, stock are starving, families are doing it tough, and farmers need help now.
“We believe a relief package shouldn’t be tied up in red tape with restrictive eligibility criteria that makes it impossible to access. Farmers need support to get support.”
