GREATER access to a local network of mental health professionals was highlighted as a priority by attendees at drought forums in the pastoral areas and Eyre Peninsula last week.
Hosted by Premier Steven Marshall, acting Primary Industries Minister and Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pellekaan and Member for Flinders Peter Treloar also met with communities to discuss drought-related topics.
A common theme across the forums was a concern that regional and remote mental health services were not sufficient to cope with an increased need by drought-affected communities.
Livestock SA president Joe Keynes attended and said attendees were reasonably buoyant and pleased to meet with the Premier but after three to four years of drought, emerging concerns had been raised.
"Better long-term mental health support in the bush was raised many times but pastoralists were also seeking an opportunity to diversify into tourism options to help with a loss of income during a drought," he said.
"After the bushfires, we saw a Book Them Out campaign launched and pastoralists are hoping a more extensive version could be created for drought-affected areas to help rebuild communities."
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Mr Keynes said soil erosion and road maintenance were issues that communities also wanted to see resolved.
"At Marree, the community called for Strzelecki Track to be sealed. Trucks are forced to drive very slow and it has become an animal and driver welfare issue through increased transit times," he said.
Outback Communities Authority chair Bill McIntosh attended the forum at Marree and echoed Mr Keynes' observation about road maintenance concerns.
"It was pointed out that poor road condition had caused issues with stock transport and increased on-road costs," he said.
"Pastoral rent concession eligibility was also identified as a barrier for pastoralists too. There has been a fairly low uptake of the assistance because of it. They are seeking easier access."
Mr McIntosh said continued state and federal investment into rebuilding the Dog Fence was another "critical" issue raised.
"There are still dogs within the fence and producers will be very reluctant to restock properties with expensive breeding ewes while there was a chance to be preyed on by dogs," he said.
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