Oasis status crucial for Mildura, Eckel says

MILDURA’S status as an oasis in the desert should be taken into consideration before future stricter water restrictions are implemented, according to council’s economic development and tourism councillor.

Cr Mark Eckel says it is essential the region maintains its clean and green status for residents’ mental health and vibrant tourism industry.

He said while no one wanted to see residents hosing down driveways or using sprinklers during days of extreme heat, maintaining an environment that provided a psychological break from the daily dry for many surrounding communities was vital.

“There are many reasons why Mildura needs to retain its oasis and clean green status as a vibrant community with a diverse economy,” Cr Eckel said.

“The weekly dust storms are already causing anguish with residents telling me they are leaving Mildura.

“How will we attract resident professionals and young people to continue studying and living in Mildura if they are faced with such unfavourable weather conditions that impacts on their health and psyche?

“What happens to Mildura as a tourist destination if its oasis in the desert reputation becomes a dusty, dry and parched moonscape?”

Cr Eckel said council should enter into a discussion about the current drought and associated dust storms, as well as current or any forthcoming water restrictions, “nearly every second day”.

“The purchase of water from an open marketplace should be considered to maintain the local environment, so those with less access to green spaces can escape their parched realities,” he said.

“It appears to me that the use of water on gardens and parklands are minuscule compared to the large consumption when massive irrigation pumps are turned on by the almond growing conglomerates.

“Many of these investors don’t live in our community and therefore don’t experience the consequence of drought.

“If we are going to account for the economic loss of production from current and future delivery of more irrigation licenses, who is accountable when it comes to public mental health, social and economic wellbeing of our broader community?”