Drought response - where to from here?

There is an escalating sense of anxiety across the region from the lack of winter rain, coupled with the fact that poor spring rains are being predicted. Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Gregory Carlson and CEO Kevin Hannagan met with the 13 Councils that make up the North East Local Government Network recently to discuss ongoing concerns arising from lack of rain to the region and what this means for our communities.

The situation is different to this time last year and farmers are facing the prospect of another difficult year with much less in reserve. All of this is placing the region into new and unchartered territory and the community is asking "What is happening?"

Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Gregory Carlson said, "If this weather pattern continues we are facing something much more than exceptional circumstances. The unfolding situation has the potential to become a natural disaster."

The North East Council network has agreed to write to the Premier, John Brumby seeking a taskforce to work with local governments to address community concerns.

Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Gregory Carlson said, "I'd like to allay community concerns that nothing is being done. Council is aware that in the next 6-8 weeks there will be a number of concerns that will most likely arise. Of immediate concern is:

Fodder and grain supplies will be critical in the immediate future - 4 to 6 weeks. There are concerns about fodder supplies in the event of continued lack of rainfall in the coming weeks. The degree to which this may be offset by hay and silage from failed crops is uncertain

EC review and extension. The uncertainly of EC support beyond March 08 is creating anxiety. Most people do not know when or how EC status is reviewed and the uncertainty around this contributes to stress levels. It is important to better inform the community about this process. It would also be desirable to have these reviews done before Christmas if possible.

There is a feeling that we will be seeing an unprecedented number of farm exits. Farming and rural communities are not prepared for this eventuality. Some higher level planning for dealing with the adjustment is needed.

Mental health concerns of farmers experiencing unprecedented losses

Emergency stock and domestic bore network. Given the prospect of another dry season there is a need to review the emergency stock and domestic bore network and assess whether additional bores are required.

General farm stock and domestic water supplies. Given poor rainfalls many on-farm stock and domestic water storages are seriously depleted before summer arrives. Farmers will need to take a critical 'stock-take' of water supplies.

CEO of Strathbogie Shire Council, Kevin Hannagan also raised these concerns with Rural Councils Victoria recently which comprises 38 rural councils from across Victoria. Kevin Hannagan said, "All councils across the region are experiencing similar concerns."

Strathbogie Shire Council is reactivating its drought committee and will update the community.

Strathbogie Shire Council will also be constantly updating the drought section on its website www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

For more information: Marli Kelly on 0409 410 178 -- 17 September, 2007

For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858