South West Farmers call on State Government to have their say on any water issues affecting their property

South West farmers are calling on the State Government to make sure they have a say in any future decisions made on water security in the region. The agricultural community and a handful of residents have written to two ministers, saying a majority of farmers should approve any decisions made by the newly formed Southern Forest Irrigation Scheme Reference Group that will affect them. The calls came at the Water Futures Forum last Wednesday, held by the WA Water Users Coalition, where they united to put forward recommendations to Water Minister Dave Kelly and Agriculture Minster Alannah MacTiernan about the future of projects in the South West. One recommendation was for the ministers to ensure the $53.5 million in State and Federal funding originally allocated to the Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme is quarantined until majority of farmers in the region approve its use. The request would ensure that any projects that come out of the interim report would be identified by the majority of farmers and agricultural community groups in the Southern Forests region. It comes after the State Government appointed members to the SFISRG who will provide an interim report in three months time that will address future water security in the Lower South West. The group’s chair, former Department of Agriculture and Food director general Ian Longson, spoke at the forum and said the region had a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to have the government focused on the region’s water issues. “We certainly won’t be working behind the scenes but we do have to move quickly,” he said. “We’re looking forward to delivering something of value and working with the members.” During the forum, Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said she was communicating with the Mr Kelly and Ms MacTiernan on a communication strategy for the SFISRG. Another recommendation to come out of the forum is in relation to the new Department of Water legislation focused on the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act, asking the new policy to be issued to parliament as a Green Bill, allowing people in and out of parliament to give feedback on its proposals. Other speakers at the event included Department of Water director of regional services Don Cummins, Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee members Diane Fry and John Omodei, WAWUC member Alexandra Rey and president Bevan Eatts and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior scientist Richard George.