Werribee South farmers are fed up with a lack of action by the state government and Southern Rural Water to secure their water supplies.
More than 120 farmers voiced their frustration at a forum organised by Wyndham council last Wednesday, rubbishing the planned upgrading channels without improving water quality, and slamming SRW and the state government over the lack of consultation.
Farmers are currently paying for 100 per cent of their water rights, but are only receiving 10 per cent of their allocation. The water they receive is a combination of river, recycled and bore water, which is high in salinity and impacts crops.
A planned $31.3 million upgrade is already underway, funded in a three-way partnership between SRW, on behalf of the growers, and the state and federal governments.
“This is an absolute joke,” one farmer said. “It’s nothing but a window dressing to shut us all up.”
Another farmer, whose family has farmed in the region for more than 60 years, questioned the plan for upgrading the system without the water quality to go with it.
“Australia is a great place with plenty of water – why is it here in Werribee South we have none?” he asked.
Others slammed the lack of consultation around the upgraded channels.
“They haven’t listened,” one farmer yelled. “Don’t you hear what we’ve got to say? We don’t want it. It’s not the answer.
“We don’t want to pay for water we’re not getting.”
Feeling abandoned
Farmers said they felt abandoned and, if a solution cannot not be provided, they demanded the green wedge be lifted off their properties, so they can sell up and relocate.
“You’ve got to help the district. Somebody has to help the district before its too late,” another pleaded. “We have a problem right here, right now.
“If this continues, what happens to the mental health of our farmers? We could be facing issues with suicide.”
Werribee MP Tim Pallas was accused of being missing in action and not hearing the concerns of his constituents. But Mr Pallas denied the allegations.
The MP said he is aware of farmers’ concerns, and is working with the Water Minister to address them.
SRW’s managing director Clinton Rodda said regular meetings with growers had provided them with an opportunity to discuss the current and future water supply outlook.
“SRW is working closely with irrigators on a range of measures to improve water security and quality,” he said. Council’s chief executive Kelly Grigsby said the meeting was arranged for councillors to listen to Werribee South growers’ issues around water, planning and rating.
Water Minister Lisa Neville is expected to visit Werribee South farmers this week.
