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Going beyond the farm gate for viability

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The impacts of drought extend beyond the farm gate, with many town traders and communities feeling the pinch when the agriculture sector is experiencing such a low.

Some farmers have lesser income but their everyday expenses are still there. Finance is needed to plant the new crops, as they hope for a return at the end of the year. 

We have seen agricultural-based businesses change their processes and cut down staff because they have not received the same amount of raw products. Families caught in this cycle may need to move to seek other work opportunities. Our local schools, sporting teams, community groups are then impacted with less volunteers and less hands to help with fundraising.

This also means a lack of spending within our main streets; increasing the pressure on small business operators. The $1 million grant funding available to some councils is there to assist communities to achieve projects using local trades and procurement of goods through local businesses, hopefully guaranteeing some stability and reaching out to communities beyond the farm gate. Wakefield council is committed to diversifying our economy through tourism by encouraging holiday makers to stop and spend in our towns and explore what's on offer. Major drawcards include: The Balaklava Racing Club’s special race days, Balaklava Eisteddfod and cultural events and community art programs are examples.

Lochiel’s Lake Bumbunga has become a hit with international tourists who want to get a snap in front of the pink lake. Cafes, galleries and historic buildings line our town’s streets – there’s even our community-run Blyth Cinema – happily catering for locals and visitors with good country service. Many pathways exist to support farmers and help alleviate the heavy burden of drought. The following links provide options:

  • Salvation Army Drought Community Support: www.salvos.org.au/drought
  • On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate: www.pir.sa.gov.au/onfarm-water-rebate
  • Dept of Human Services - Farm Household Allowance: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/farm-household-allowance

Rural communities have historically come through droughts and adversity before and with persistence and support of each other we can work through this difficult time.

Mayor Rodney Reid, 

Wakefield Regional Council