It is a particular concern to Cohuna farmer Jodie Hay, an avid environmentalist who laments the increasing cost to our nation, caused directly by governments who are unable to effectively balance water needs and management.
She sees images in the media of drought stricken animals and asks herself two simple questions: How can our politicians get this so wrong? And what will it take for Australia to wake up and realise the wasted opportunities?
“Food producing regions in southern New South Wales and northern Victoria were established by our forefathers to help feed the nation, and also act as a support mechanism for other parts of the country during times of drought,” she said.
“But now we are strangling the very farmers who could have the ability to support others in difficult times.
“It seems we are incapable of effectively using the water at our disposal, to the detriment of country and city people alike.”
Mrs Hay explained the area of Australia with access to irrigation is relatively small compared to the large areas that are at the mercy of rainfall.
The irrigation systems were designed as a drought-proofing mechanism, but are no longer used for this purpose.
“With effective water policy, farmers in irrigation regions can grow fodder for those in drought who cannot grow their own to feed stock.
“Alternatively, our fertile lands can be used for agistment, and we can continue growing the food that our country needs.
“But changes in water ownership and water policy, including water buybacks, have significantly reduced the capacity to grow the fodder or food.
“Without water we cannot grow this fodder, which would be so valuable not only to those across south-eastern parts of the country in the grip of drought, but also those who have been impacted by devastating floods.
“It is extremely frustrating for everyone involved.”
While environmentalists often condemn irrigation, Mrs Hay says this is generally due to a lack of understanding or the opportunity to be better educated.
On her farm, irrigation water helps provide a refuge for native species, including birds, reptiles and amphibians, and irrigation in general provides significant, unrecognised environmental benefits.
In fact, ninety-three per cent of the wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin exist on privately owned farmland.
“We have had several bird counts conducted on our farm, one identified 52 different bird species, and another identified 32 species on an effluent dam that we converted into a wetland, which acts as a refuge for wildlife.
“There are almost unlimited opportunities at our disposal to balance water for environmental and productive needs, but we don’t do it.
“With government incentives and supportive policy, irrigation regions can do so much more.
“We can provide that essential refuge for starving stock, whether by growing fodder for transport or offering agistment.”
Mrs Hay suggested this support could include access to Commonwealth water at more affordable prices to grow the fodder, which was noted as a strategy by John Howard when he announced the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in 2007
“Changes to water ownership means anyone can own water.
“One third of the productive pool is now owned by the Commonwealth, as well as huge quantities held by international investment companies - so now water prices are too expensive for fodder production.
“And buybacks limit the available pool even more, so the price continues to rise.
“We need a re-set. We need to look at ways to ensure there is water for the environment, while also using irrigation regions to support food production and fellow Australians, like those suffering from the drought.
“Current policy settings are impeding this, instead of supporting it.”
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