15 May 2025
PLEA TO SA GOVERNMENT: STREAMLINE SUPPORT IN DROUGHT EMERGENCY
Statement from Naracoorte Lucindale Council Mayor Patrick Ross
Drought funds are welcome but they must flow more freely to the people on the land and the small rural businesses that support them.
Yesterday, a powerful message was delivered in the Legislative Council – a letter from Naracoorte’s Abby Miller to the Premier was read in the Upper House by Nicola Centofanti MLC. Find it on Facebook and I challenge you not to feel stirred.
Abby’s words about the drought and its emotional, physical and financial toll – on farmers, families and all of those ‘who hold up rural life’ – echo what I am hearing on the land.
The Southeast in places may have a green tinge but, for many, nothing and these unprecedented dry times are leaving many concerned about the months ahead.
In the last week, I’ve had all the cows and calves through the yards for AI and marking. The calves are a long way from their usual bloom: I call them “woody”. The last of the ewes go out of confinement, with the XB ewes in fair order but the merinos are below par – hopefully they will have the energy to have a lamb. We will continue to feed them until it’s too risky losing lambs from mismothering. The weekly bill is $2200 for the sheep alone.
There is very little to no food on offer where the sheep are headed and we are expecting ewe losses and reduced lamb survival rates. It’s not too late for an opening rain as the soil temperatures, although falling, will still allow for quick growth from annuals and allow the perennials to push along.
As a family we take heart in supporting each other and continue to talk and have discussions on what the next few months – and then years – may look like as we come to terms with the potential damage to our landscape and what the future may hold.
I understand that drought no longer needs to be declared in a region for farmers to be eligible for assistance.
But let’s call it: this is an emergency.
With drought impacting pretty much everyone, the notion that ‘farmers can take action for themselves when they need it’ needs to be rethought.
When hundreds are impacted by a natural disaster we call it an emergency. This drought is impacting tens of thousands and yet it is being left up to individual farmers – already stressed and battling to keep their farms operating and animals fed – to reach out for help.
I urge the Premier to listen closely to Abby’s words. She speaks for many.
In the meantime, to the people on the land and in our towns, please reach out.
- Please connect with Rural Business Support to find out how to access up to $1,500 in financial assistance to help cover the costs of utility bills, medical appointments, Council rates, vehicle repairs and school fees.
- Please reach out to Council if you are having difficulties paying rates. A simple confidential phone call to Council’s Rates Officer (8760 1100) can help you navigate this.
- Please, if you are struggling to cope in any way, reach out to Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline 13 11 14.
Above all, please know you are not alone.
The incredibly hard work you do for our community and our State is valued beyond words and we will continue to advocate for better support, delivered in better ways.
Mayor Patrick Ross
Naracoorte Lucindale Council
Media Spokesperson:
Mayor Patrick Ross - email patrick.ross@nlc.sa.gov.au, phone 0427 658 049
General Media Enquiries:
Josie Collins, Manager Engagement & Community - email josie.collins@nlc.sa.gov.au, phone 8760 1100