Shadow Minister for Water Steph Ryan has welcomed Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud’s decision to act on the Victorian Nationals’ suggestion to utilise the Adelaide desalination plant to secure extra water for farmers.
Minister Littleproud yesterday announced the Federal Government’s plan to release 100GL for fodder production at a discounted rate of $100 per ML.
Ms Ryan suggested greater utilisation of the Adelaide desalination plant at The Nationals’ Federal Council meeting last month.
“I raised this idea because I believe exceptional circumstances require exceptional actions,” Ms Ryan said.
“I’m grateful to the Federal Government and Minister Littleproud for listening and for finding 100GL of water.
“This will help save people’s livelihoods this season.
“I believe long term changes, such as operating rules around the use of Commonwealth water to trigger trade during periods of drought, are still needed but as an immediate drought-assistance measure this extra water will greatly assist irrigators in Victoria’s north.”