MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster has highlighted the “worst drought ever” affecting farmers in the Millewa in Federal Parliament this week.
Dr Webster said that while some of Mallee had experienced significant rainfall, the Millewa community was now facing severe hardship.
“They need our support … there are areas in Mallee where farmers and communities are being significantly affected by the triple whammy of drought, water prices and labour force,” Dr Webster said.
“Drought is devastating to our country and this drought is beyond what anyone has seen before.
“While there are many other regions struggling with drought, the people of Millewa, west of Mildura, are currently experiencing their worst drought ever.”
Dr Webster said she commended Millewa farmers for their resilience and ingenuity and their support for each other.
“I want them to know that I have heard them and that I am exploring every option that we have to help them,” she said.
Dr Webster said there was also “a significant challenge” with the ability to get and pay for water when the market had driven prices to record levels.
“Our government is committed to review the market and check for exploitation of the market and speculation to bring prices under control,” she said.
“I am confident these processes of review will help our producers into the future.”
The Nationals MP said the labour force was another issue the government was working to resolve.
“It is an issue that in some cases has led to the exploitation of people,” she said.
“It is an issue that, if not resolved, will see fruit rot on the ground and family farms struggle to survive.
“This is an issue that I have been passionately calling on our government to resolve.
“I have brought the issue to ministers to drive a solution that helps Mallee and Australia.
“Through all this, I commend the people of Mallee for their resilience, their industrious nature and their innovation when times are tough.”
