THE state's livestock producers reliant on SA Water mains to fill their troughs have welcomed the state government's commitment to reduce prices after years of lobbying.
From July 1, the average SA business is set to save $1350 a year, although it could be much more for high water use livestock producers.
The decision has been welcomed by Livestock SA which has been lobbying on behalf of its members for changes in water pricing, together with the Coorong Water Security Advisory Group, since 2013.
Livestock SA chief executive officer Andrew Curtis says the commitment will ensure water costs are no longer a "reason to force livestock producers to reduce livestock numbers, impacting their businesses and the state's economy."
For some producers, water costs tripled in five years, making it difficult to keep up with the increases despite good prices for beef, sheep and cropping.
Producers have had to be very wary of any water leaks on-farm and have had to turn off meters when they were not in use, just to save money anywhere they could.
- ANDREW CURTIS
"Producers have had to be very wary of any water leaks on-farm and have had to turn off meters when they were not in use, just to save money anywhere they could," Mr Curtis said.
Livestock SA has provided and contributed to submissions to successive state governments and the Essential Services Commission of South Australia outlining the case for a reduction in water prices.
"We have been providing input into submissions surrounding the SA Water Pricing Inquiry arguing that SA Water's regulated asset base was over-valued and inflating water prices, to ensure members voices are heard," Mr Curtis said.
Livestock SA acknowledged the work the Environment and Water Minister David Speirs had put toward this issue since he was Shadow Minister in 2017.
"On behalf of livestock producers, Livestock SA wishes to thank the Minister for his involvement which has led to this price reduction," Mr Curtis said.
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