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| SA Drought E-News, 7th February 2008 |
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| Acid sulfate soils frequently asked questions |
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Low water levels caused by the drought have exposed River Murray wetlands, areas of riverbank and parts of the Lower Lakes that have been submerged since the locks and weirs and barrages were completed in 1940.
This has resulted in the formation and exposure of acid sulfate soils in some of these dried areas, and other areas of the River Murray are at risk of developing acid sulfate soils. A new Frequently Asked Questions document has been produced, and can be viewed at: www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/drought/index.html#Acidsulfatesoils
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| Irrigation allocations to stay at 32% |
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Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald has announced that irrigation allocations will stay at 32% until imbalances in the way water has been shared between Murray–Darling Basin states are settled.
On 5 February, the Prime Minister and Premiers of South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria signed off on new sharing arrangements for River Murray water.
Information about these arrangements, including a full copy of the Minister’s media release and a Frequently Asked Questions document, is available at:
http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/drought/index.html#RiverMurraywatersharingarrangements
The Minister’s media release and a joint statement from the Premiers and Federal Minister has also been posted on the drought website: www.service.sa.gov.au/drought.asp under media releases.
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| Carry-over water available for 2008-09 |
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South Australian irrigators will be able to carry-over all of their allocations not used in 2007–08 into the 2008–09 water year.
The Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald, says licenced water users will be able to carry forward all of their unused restricted water allocation at 30 June 2008 for use next water year, which will assist them to better manage the limited water available.
"While the provision of carry-over depends on climate conditions and the ability to deliver it from interstate storages to South Australia, the government is confident carry-over can be supplied, although an absolute guarantee cannot be given," Minister Maywald said.
"Water carried over into 2008–09 will be tradeable in South Australia and interstate. Previously, carry-over water could only be traded in South Australia."
Carry-over water application forms must be lodged with the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation between 1–31 March inclusive. Late applications will not be accepted.
More information: Phone 8595 2053 or http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/drought/index.html
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| Planning for Recovery workshops running |
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A new round of information sessions for Planning for Recovery for eligible farm businesses is planned to start in February with 19 sessions scheduled for the EP, Mid-north, YP, Riverland and Upper SE regions of the State. So far, 57 information sessions have been delivered, with 553 businesses attending.
The program supports farm businesses in receipt of Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidies, to develop and implement high quality business plans with grants up to $4,000. Farm businesses will then be able to access an implementation grant (up to $10,000) to help them to reduce the decline in the condition of their core farm assets and provide a stronger recovery platform.
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| Dean Brown tours Eyre Peninsula and Mid North |
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The Premier’s drought advisor, Dean Brown last week toured drought affected areas of Eyre Peninsula in an aim to help farmers through next season. Mr Brown met with the rural communities of Port Lincoln, Tumby Bay, Cleve, Kimba, Wudinna, Minnipa, Wirrulla and Ceduna on 31 January to 1 February. He heard first hand the difficulties being faced by these communities, including increased financial costs. The Eyre Peninsula Drought Task Force is now in the process of collating and prioritising the findings from the meetings and the best possible actions forward.
This follows a tour of the mid North to Jamestown, Orroroo and Boolerroo Centre on 15–16 January to meet with farmers, property managers, the banking industry as well as agricultural and health services to gain direct information on the impact of the drought on communities.
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| New mental health program for schools |
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With many rural families experiencing the impact of prolonged drought, a new mental health education through schools (MHETS) program has been rolled out across drought declared areas of the State.
The social and economic impact of this drought has resulted in increased anxiety across the community, and for children this means increased ‘difficult’ behaviour. The MHETS program focuses on practical methods to manage these behaviours, while raising the awareness and skills required to support ongoing good mental health (improved resilience). It provides easy to use information about recognising children who are experiencing mental health problems and effective tips on making referrals for professional assistance.
The program is run as separate sessions for School Staff or Parents. Managed and funded by Country Health SA as part of the government’s drought initiative, the program will run until the end of June 2008 at no cost to schools or community groups.
For more information contact Michael Wallis on (08) 8683 2083.
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| Drought assistance summary updated |
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| A comprehensive guide to Drought Assistance Measures for South Australian irrigators, dryland farmers and small businesses severely affected by the drought has been recently updated. The January 2008 version has been posted on the drought website: www.service.sa.gov.au/drought.asp and will also be available from local councils, some health clinics and surgeries, Rural Financial Counselling SA, Centrelink and other outlets. |
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| Water sharing fact sheet available |
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A fact sheet outlining information underpinning River Murray water sharing has been released by the Government of South Australia as part of the 4-way strategy to secure water for our future.
Important facts affecting River Murray users in South Australia are included with useful links to other informative web-sites. The fact sheet is available at www.sa.gov.au/water. Click on “fact sheets” then “water use” for the Fact Sheet entitled “Sharing Water from the River Murray in South Australia”.
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Drought E-News is a regular newsletter updating the State Government’s drought response. If you’ve been forwarded this E-News and you would like to subscribe, click on the link below, complete the details and you will receive drought E-News in the future.
Feedback is always welcome, email Drought News.
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