The opposition has criticised the state government for not supporting South Australian farmers enough as they struggle through some of the driest conditions in more than 35 years.
Last week, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas and opposition regional development and primary industries spokesperson Eddie Hughes, visited Cowell on the Eyre Peninsula to consult with farmers.
Mr Hughes said that despite feedback from some SA farmers that they are experiencing extremely dry conditions and are in need of immediate financial support, the minister is yet to declare than any parts of SA are in drought.
“Mr Whetstone has said the state government has created a working group and there is counselling available for farmers,” Mr Hughes said.
“This is simply not good enough – farmers need action, they need financial support and they need it quickly.”
“Farmers specifically said they wanted financial help to purchase more feed, and access to water for stock was also raised as an issue,” he said.
Mr Hughes said while a working group may have long-term value, not enough is being done to provide direct assistance to farmers, and it was important for the minister to speak directly to find out exactly what they needed.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said he had been a consistent visitor to the EP since his appointment as minister.
“It is important to be on the ground speaking to farmers and communities about the ongoing challenges facing areas of the state, such as on the eastern Eyre Peninsula,” Mr Whetstone said.
He also acknowledged a number of areas such as the EP, Murray Mallee and the Far North pastoral areas were facing a second season with minimal rainfall.
“Under the national intergovernmental agreement on drought, there are no longer lines on maps or declarations when it comes to providing support in these tough times,” Mr Whetstone said.
“I have convened the Dry Conditions Working Group with key industry stakeholders and support agencies to discuss the challenges facing farmers and communities in parts of the state.”
Representatives will come from Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, Livestock SA, PIRSA, Rural Business Support, the Bureau of Meteorology and various government departments.
Mr Whetstone said there was financial support available to struggling farmers such as Rural Financial Counselling Services, Farm Household Allowance, Farm Business Concessional Loans, Farm Debt Mediation, and PIRSA Animal Health Officers are available to consult on maintaining animal health.
“I reiterate the importance for those people who are experiencing hardship to not self-assess the eligibility for financial assistance,” Mr Whetstone said.
Mr Hughes said the minister must also guarantee the treasurer makes provision in the Budget to assist farmers if the adverse conditions continue well into next year.
