| SA Drought E-News 30 July 2009 |
| Acidification increases in Currency Creek and Finniss River | | The threat of acidification in the Currency Creek, Finniss River and Goolwa Channel area is increasing despite recent rainfall. More than 20,000 hectares of acid sulfate soils have been exposed throughout the Lower Lakes region because of drought and falling water levels. The latest Currency Creek and Finniss River water quality report, which is available on the EPA website, shows that pH levels and alkalinity are declining in most locations, meaning the acidification risk is increasing. More information | | Research continues on acid sulfate soils | | Research lead by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) is underway to find out more about the risks and management of acid sulfate soils.
Trials will take place over the next two months at Boggy Creek and Point Sturt. Four water tanks containing seawater will be placed over dried sediments. The aim is to find out how effectively acid, metals and nutrients are released and neutralised using sea water compared to fresh water. The research is part of the sea water Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) currently underway.
More information | | Latest River Murray resources report | Top | | The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) has released its latest River Murray water resources report. The 27 July report advises that the volume of water in upstream storages is currently 1,856 GL (20% capacity), compared to about 2,150 GL (23% capacity) at the same time last year. The report also highlights that public information sessions of interest to River Murray communities will be held this week at Langhorne Creek, Murray Bridge, Waikerie and Berri. View report | | Victorian DPI tours SA drought regions | Top | | A delegation of over 30 staff from Victoria's Department of Primary Industries will tour Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, Langhorne Creek’s Lower Murray Irrigation area and the Riverland, to gain an insight into South Australia's drought response measures. The two day visit on 5 and 6 August will be jointly hosted by Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation and Primary Industries and Resources SA. The aim is to provide the delegation with an insight into drought conditions in South Australia, and showcase what the industries, communities and the South Australian Government are doing to overcome adversity, manage water allocations and increase water efficiencies. | | EP focus for Water Security Commissioner | Top | | Future water supplies for the Eyre Peninsula, stormwater harvesting and the treatment and re-use of wastewater were discussed during a visit to the Eyre Peninsula region last week by the Commissioner for Water Security, Robyn McLeod. Commissioner McLeod said it was important for regional South Australia to understand that the Water for Good plan was for all South Australians, not just those in the metropolitan area. She said a key action in the Water for Good Plan was to provide additional water sources including desalinated seawater for Eyre Peninsula, subject to site and environmental investigations. | | Drought Force - working together | Top | | If you need help on your drought affected farm or maybe just want to help others – then Drought Force could be for you. It’s an Australian Government program operating in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas and is helping farmers and rural communities to retain and build the skills of their local workforce during drought. People receiving income support who choose to participate in Drought Force for more than 30 hours each week will not have to look for work or make regular contact with Job Services Australia or Centrelink. Additionally, a supplement payment of $20.80 per fortnight will be available to people on income support who are participating in Drought Force. More information | | River Murray drought calendar | Top | | Want to know what drought events are happening in the Riverland? The River Murray Drought Events Calendar is updated regularly and provides a list of all up coming seminars, field days and workshops for irrigators. View the calendar | | New unbundling water rights | Top | | All River Murray water licences are now ‘unbundled’, making water trade easier, faster and less expensive. This reform will be progressively implemented across the State, however River Murray water licence holders is the first to transition to the unbundled operating environment. Other areas of the State will follow between 2010 and 2014.
As of 1 July, the following water rights and approvals are unbundled and managed as four new and separate instruments: - Water Access Entitlement
- Water Allocation
- Water Resource Works Approval
- Site Use Approval
More information | | Low rainfall pastures | Top | | Rural Solutions SA has found perennial pasture species established in drier areas provided farmers with a greater range of options. Supported by local landholders and the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board, trial sites were established at Penong, Streaky Bay, Mount Damper, Lock and Lipson. The sites looked at a variety of annual and perennial pasture species for suitability, dry matter produced and persistence. It was found that a more intensive management system with increased rotation of stock lead to better management of surface cover with less erosion and better weed management.
For more information: Liz Guerin, Rural Solutions SA, info@ruralsolution.sa.gov.au | | Latest drought media releases | Top | | |
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