Bridget Goulding attended the Drought Relief public meeting and was asked by the North Balwyn Rotary Club to speak to the club giving a first hand account of the challenges facing farmers in Numurkah and district.
Bridget repeated her address for the benefit of the Numurkah Rotary members.
Born in Rotorua, met and married Tim and commenced farming in New Zealand. Inspected dairy farms in Gippsland before choosing irrigation district in north Baulkamaugh. Several good years before a cascade of disasters over two decades. Millennium drought where average rainfall of 16-18 inches was reduced to 3. Lack of Murray River flows forced to refine management. Modernisation of channels took place to rationalise water usage. With the unbundling of water from the land, on the advise of consultants half farmers sold permanent water to buy temporary water after drought.
14% of water owned by investors not connected to the land. Temporary water going to highest bidder with almond trees requiring much of the temporary water.
Last 2 years of drought man made problems including the Fonterra claw-back.
117 dairy farmers have ceased trade. Drop off of social interaction as all too busy.
2015-2016 season improved and built a new house. Industry in turmoil, but do not regret the move.
Involve in the community with CWA, UDV and delegations to ministers to get message across.
District producing a product of high standard, with demand growing and sustainability improving.
Drought Relief Program is a shot in the arm.