SA Drought E-News, 12th June 2008

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www.sa.gov.au/drought
SA Drought E-News, 12th June 2008
EC Extension for Central North-East River Murray spending continues in Budget
Seeding progresses but patchy – May crop report Murray storage volumes remain low
Water expert to speak at Riverland Expo Drought Reach program for women
EC Extension for Central North-East

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Rory McEwen has welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to extend drought assistance for the Central North-East pastoral region.

Eligible farmers and small businesses in the region will now be able to continue to access full EC drought assistance, including income support and interest rate subsidies until 15 June next year.

The Federal government has acted on advice from the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) which has recently assessed areas, including the Central North East, which were nearing the end of EC declarations.

The advice from NRAC was that rainfall in the region had been variable, pasture growth had clearly deteriorated and recovery has not begun.

A media release has been posted on the drought website: www.sa.gov.au/drought
Seeding progresses but patchy – May crop report Top

Paddock preparation and seeding progressed throughout the month, however light, patchy rainfall in some districts slowed seeding operations with crops going in under marginal moisture conditions. Good follow-up rains are needed to keep the season on track.

That’s according to the PIRSA’s Crop and Pasture Report, compiled by Rural Solutions SA, which says it is estimated that seeding is now about 60% completed across the state, with quite a few farmers finished.

On much of Eyre Peninsula, parts of the Upper North and throughout the Mallee, rainfall has been light and variable and seeding has either proceeded in marginal moisture conditions or stopped.

It has been a good start for the season for some, but a patchy, frustrating start for many others.

Total crop area is estimated to be 4.10 million hectares, effectively the same as last year and slightly above the five year average. Crop production is currently estimated to be 5.94 million tonnes, which is well above last year and slightly above the five year average.

The full report is available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport
Water expert to speak at Riverland Expo Top

Water expert Professor Mike Young will speak at the Riverland Rural Expo to be held in Renmark on 27 June 2008 at the Remark Hotel. Professor Young is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and holds a Research Chair in Water Economics and Management at the University of Adelaide.

He will speak on A Future Proofed Basin from 1pm to 2 pm. People wishing to attend Professor Young’s presentation must reserve their free seat by contacting the Riverland Development Corporation on 8580 8500.

The expo, where more than 30 exhibitors will promote a broad range of information on available drought services and assistance in the region, will run from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.
River Murray spending continues in Budget Top

The State Government is planning to spend $260 million over the next four years to protect and improve the health of the River Murray.

In addition, and separate to the budget process, the State Government is finalising its proposal for major funding under the Federal Government’s $12.9 billion Water for the Future program.

A key component of the project will be aimed at securing a long-term sustainable future for irrigation communities in the context of climate change and reduced water availability in the future as well as delivery of substantial and lasting returns of water to the environment to secure improvements in river health.

The State Budget investment includes $56 million over four years for water recovery, including buying back water licences from willing sellers to return water to the river for environmental flows.

A media release has been posted on the drought website: www.sa.gov.au/drought
Murray storage volumes remain low Top

River Murray storage volumes remain low, with a total storage of 1 914GL (20% of capacity).

The Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation’s River Murray Water Resources Report for 6 June 2008 says inflows into the River Murray remain at critically low levels. During May 2008, only about 80GL flowed into the River Murray system.

Salinity and water levels remain relatively stable upstream of Lock 1. However, low flows into South Australia mean that below Lock 1 water levels remain low and salinity levels remain high.
The full report is available at: http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/drought/index.html#RiverMurraywaterresourcesreports
Drought Reach program for women Top

A reminder that the Women’s Information Service Drought Reach sessions are underway during June across South Australia.

Learn more about services that can help you and your family make it through these tough times. Lunch will be provided. For childcare inquiries, please telephone 1800 188 158.

Kadina
Fri 13 June, 10.30 am to 3 pm,
The Farm Shed Museum and Tourism Centre, 50 Moonta Road.
Ceduna
Mon 16 June, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm,
Foreshore Hotel
Meningie
Mon 16 June, 10:30 am to 3 pm,
The Cheese Factory - Meningie Museum Restaurant
Murray Bridge
Tue 17 June, 10:30 am to 3 pm
Our Well Being Place, 108 Swanport Rd
Streaky Bay
Tue 17 June, 11 am to 2:30 pm,
Telecentre Conference Room
Keith 
Wed 18 June, 11 am to 3 pm,
Tatiara District Council - Keith Institute - Ruth Wheal Room
Tumby Bay
Thur 19 June, 10:30 am to 3 pm,
Tumby Bay Skills Centre
Pinnaroo
Thur 19 June, 10:30 am - 2 pm,
The Pinnaroo Institute, 21 Railway Tce (South) St,
Orroroo
Mon 23 June, 12 noon to 4 pm,
Blacksmith’s Chatter
Milang
Tue 24 June, 12:30 pm to 3 pm,
The Milang Institute, Coxe St
Waikerie
Wed 25 June, 11 am to 2:30 pm,
District Council of Loxton, Waikerie meeting room, Strangman Road.
Kingscote
Wednesday 25th June, 10:30 am to 3 pm
Kangaroo Island Council Chambers, 43 Dauncey Street, Kingscote
Renmark
Fri 27 June, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm,
Riverland Rural Expo, Renmark Hotel
Pt Augusta
Fri 27 June, 11 am to 3 pm,
Cooinda Conference Room, Flinders Tce.

More information on venues and times: www.officeforwomen.sa.gov.au or toll free 1800 188 158 (Mon-Fri)

Access and equity
The information in this publication can be provided on request to those who need it in an alternative format or another language. Contact PIRSA Communications and Marketing. Telephone (08) 8226 0539.

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