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20th September 2024
Australian Government Drought Plan Submissions
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Dear Australian Government Drought Plan Submissions Team,
The Coorong District Council District in South Australia is currently experiencing drought level
conditions, exacerbated by high winds and a series of severe frosts.
Over the 2024 calendar year Coorong District Council primary producers have experienced a
very dry year off the back of a dry spring in 2023. Rainfall across the year is down on average
75% in a district with low to medium levels of rainfall, greatly impacting the growing season of
crops and pastures and the ability of livestock producers to finish livestock.
Recent frosty conditions have further exacerbated plant growth, impacting the potential of crop
yields, pasture growth and hay production at this critical time of year.
The seasonal outlook for our District looks very challenging indeed with certainty now of poor
crop yields, severe impacts on the ability to produce hay, and very poor growth in livestock
feed.
Farmers across our region have shown great resilience over recent years in the face of
seasonal variability, increasing input costs, commodity price fluctuations, and high interest
rates.
Our producers have been proactive in their farm businesses and management systems to
ensure resilience in challenging seasons investing in areas such as; fodder reserves and
storage, water security technology, enhancing soil health and livestock management
improvements. However, this season is presenting challenges beyond what these
improvements can offset.
Postal Address: Coorong Civic Centre Meningie Information Hub Tintinara Customer Service Centre
PO Box 399 95 – 101 Railway Terrace 49 Princes Highway 37 Becker Terrace
TAILEM BEND SA 5260 TAILEM BEND SA 5260 MENINGIE SA 5264 TINTINARA SA 5266
Email: council@coorong.sa.gov.au Phone: 1300 785 277
Web: www.coorong.sa.gov.au Fax: 08 8572 3822
Coorong District Council is a member of SA Drought Hub, has delivered several Future
Drought Fund projects, and is actively involved in supporting and advocating for agriculture in
our District.
Coorong District Council support the concept of building resilience in farm businesses.
However the state of our current season is challenging the most innovative and progressive
among our farming community.
Our District is now in drought and needs a level of support to our farming businesses,
supporting economy and local community to endure these conditions. Our Council and staff
are also concerned in regard to the growing mental health impact this season is beginning to
exact on many individuals.
We support the concept of a recognition of extraordinary conditions, such as this season,
being included and recognised in the final version of the Australian Government Drought Plan.
We request that some provision be made for targeted and thoughtful farming region support
when conditions severely test even the most resilient and prepared businesses and
communities.
We look forward to working with Commonwealth and State Governments, and agricultural
stakeholders to proactively work together to support our primary producers through this
challenging season, and the implementation of the Final Australian Government Drought Plan.
Yours sincerely,
Mayor Paul Simmons
COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Postal Address: Coorong Civic Centre Meningie Information Hub Tintinara Customer Service Centre
PO Box 399 95 – 101 Railway Terrace 49 Princes Highway 37 Becker Terrace
TAILEM BEND SA 5260 TAILEM BEND SA 5260 MENINGIE SA 5264 TINTINARA SA 5266
Email: council@coorong.sa.gov.au Phone: 1300 785 277
Web: www.coorong.sa.gov.au Fax: 08 8572 3822
Would you like to continue with the survey?
Is the Australian Government’s approach to drought across the drought cycle clear in the draft plan?
Why or why not?
Pillar 2 seems somewhat open ended in regard to whether a severe drought could ever be considered an exceptional circumstance, should the impact be considered, and whether targeted and thoughtful support could be provided. Coorong District Council support the concept of building resilience in farm businesses. However the state of our current season is challenging the most innovative and progressive among our farming community.
Is the draft plan clear as to why the Australian Government’s drought policy and response is different to that for natural disasters?
Why or why not?
It is clear and explains that natural disasters are considered more sudden than a drought that can be long running. However, the recent River Murray flood event could also be considered to be spread across time in its impact. With potential increases in frequency and severity of droughts due to climate change a more thoughtful response may be required when the climatic event is beyond what resilience can offset.
Does Pillar 1 – Evidence based decision-making provide greater clarity about when, why, how and what the government will consider when determining its response to drought?
Why or why not?
Focus on building farming resilience
Does Pillar 2 – Strategic drought support provide greater clarity about how the Australian Government will respond across the drought cycle, including what support it will not provide?
Why or why not?
Could be clearer. Seems somewhat open ended.
Have you identified any gaps in how we have responded to any of the review recommendations in the draft plan?
Why or why not?
Coorong District Council support the concept of building resilience in farm businesses. However the state of our current season is challenging the most innovative and progressive among our farming community.
We support the concept of a recognition of extraordinary conditions, such as this season, being included and recognised in the final version of the Australian Government Drought Plan. We request that some provision be made for targeted and thoughtful farming region support when conditions severely test even the most resilient and prepared businesses and communities.
Do you have any comments on the work underway for us to consider as we progress it?
We look forward to working with Commonwealth and State Governments, and agricultural stakeholders to proactively work together to support our primary producers through this challenging season, and the implementation of the Final Australian Government Drought Plan.