SA Drought E-News, 8th May 2008

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www.sa.gov.au/drought
SA Drought E-News, 8th May 2008
Farmers get on-line to manage drought Low rainfall continues to impact on Murray
Follow up rains needed, with season underway Water saving shower trial
Pumping starts in Lower Lakes Access and equity
BOM maps outline April rains  
Farmers get on-line to manage drought

Up to 150 drought-affected farmers across the state will soon receive a computer and training package to assist them in managing their business through the drought.

The State Government has allocated up to 150 high quality refurbished computers to primary producers who are receiving Exceptional Circumstances interest rate subsidies.

The Computers for Drought Program is a joint initiative of FarmBis, and TAFE SA and preference has been given to producers who don’t currently own a computer.

Letters of offer were sent to eligible farmers. The package includes four hours of one-on-one computer training at a subsidised cost, delivered through regional TAFE SA centres.
Follow up rains needed, with season underway Top

PIRSA’s April Crop and Pasture report predicts the total crop area in South Australia will increase this season with more cereal crops likely to be sown, as well as a possible increase in hay production.

The report, compiled by Rural Solutions SA, indicates:

  • The season has got off to a reasonable start in some areas.
  • All districts need good follow-up falls in the next couple of weeks to really get the season underway.
  • Seeding has started, however many farmers are waiting for a good weed germination and/or further rain before starting seeding.
  • Pastures are starting to emerge but will need careful grazing management.

The full report is available at: www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport.
Pumping starts in Lower Lakes Top

Pumping of water from Lake Alexandrina in the lower River Murray started last week in the first phase of work to reduce the risk of acidification and environmental damage at Lake Albert.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water and Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, Senator Penny Wong, and State Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald, said the pumping would be undertaken by SA Government agencies for the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.

The Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council agreed to provide $6 million for emergency measures to address the critical situation in the Lower Lakes. The funds will be used to pump water from Lake Alexandrina to maintain Lake Albert at its current level, and prevent further exposure of sulfidic sediments on the bed of Lake Albert.

The additional water provided from Lake Alexandrina is expected to have a minimal impact on that lake, but is expected to safeguard Lake Albert until later this year. Extensive monitoring will be undertaken to evaluate the effects of the pumping on Lake Albert.

A media release has been posted on www.sa.gov.au/drought.
BOM maps outline April rains Top

The Bureau of Meterology has issued maps outlining April rainfall for the State and across the country. It can be found at: www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/silo/rain_maps.cgi?map=contours&variable=totals&area=aus&period=1month&region=aus&time=latest.

A decile map – showing that the River Murray Catchment has experienced little rainfall during April is located at: www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/silo/rain_maps.cgi?map=contours&variable=deciles&area=aus&period=cmonth&region=aus&time=latest.

Further information on the three monthly rainfall outlook for May – July indicates the chances of exceeding the median rainfall over that period is near 50% over cropping and irrigation areas in SA rising to 50-60% in the Pastoral regions. Farm management in southern areas should therefore take into account that there is no large signal towards drier, or wetter conditions. In Pastoral areas this is generally a dry period. More information: www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/rain_ahead.shtml.
Low rainfall continues to impact on Murray Top

The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation’s 2 May River Murray water resources report indicates that low rainfall during April has continued to impact on River Murray inflows.

In other observations:

  • Inflows from other tributaries also remain at low levels.
  • The current storage volume is 1 767 GL (19% capacity) compared to 930 GL (10% capacity) at the same time last year.
  • Flows to South Australia have been reduced to 2 100 ML/day compared to the normal April entitlement flow of 4 500 ML/day.
  • Salinity levels upstream of Lock 1 remain stable; however in Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, salinity continues to increase as a result of low flows.

This report is available at: www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/assets/files/RM_report_2may08.pdf
Water saving shower trial Top

The State Government and the Local Government Association of South Australia have joined forces to reduce community water use through a new trial showerhead exchange program.

The free exchange program – where householders can trade in old showerheads in return for low-flow models, will be trialled in at least five councils under the new Waterwise Communities program, being led by SA Water and the LGA.

The goal is to have all councils participating by the end of 2008.

The Waterwise program also includes targeted water saving plans, water education programs, community events and shower-timer giveaways.
Access and equity Top
The information in this publication can be provided on request to those who need it in an alternative format or another language. Contact Julie Gregory on (08) 8226 0230.

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