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Emergency Water Supply Now Available For Farm OperationsAn emergency water supply point installed on the Latrobe River at Flynn, can now be accessed by farmers experiencing water shortages to assist them with farm operations during the current dry. By Latrobe City - 22nd February 2007 - Back to News The water supply point features a high volume water pump located beside the river, capable of filling milk tankers with a minimum turn around time.
Latrobe City’s municipal emergency coordinator, Lance King, said numerous farmers were struggling to maintain farming operations during the drought and the water supply points will go some of the way to keeping operations running.
"Many people who see empty dams at the side of highways in rural areas will understand the difficulties of providing enough drinking water for stock, but few people unless they are directly involved in agriculture recognise the extent of the problem. A dairy farmer for instance needs water to be able to hose down dairy yards to meet strict industry requirements for milking," Mr King explained.
"This summer, and the months leading up to it, has been recognised as one of the driest periods on record for Gippsland and Latrobe Valley. The prolonged dry has severely impacted on some of our prime farming areas, thus requiring all levels of government to review and implement new strategies," Mr King said.
In late 2006 Latrobe City received correspondence in relation to available funding from the state government for emergency water supply points, capable of supplying water for cartage to domestic and stock supplies, from Southern Rural Water. While there are approximately 200 drought relief bores and urban standpipe sites across the state identified for this purpose, there are none in the Latrobe City area.
Southern Rural Water formed a local steering committee comprised of local councils, water authorities, government departments and industries to review such water sites in the Gippsland area, and identified the need to set up two such sites in Latrobe City.
"A local farmer, Bernie Ferguson was approached about a potential access point via his property, who agreed; and an array of possibilities for water cartage options were then investigated," Mr King explained.
Mr King said that the road leading to the main identified water point needed some stabilisation, tree clearing and modification to the property access point before large vehicles could be used. "That work has now been undertaken by council and the water point is now operational.
"Thanks and recognition need to be given to the property owner, Bernie Ferguson, for his assistance and for allowing access onto his property," Mr King added.
Latrobe City will maintain the pumps as a community asset to be used for further drought and flood management requirements.
For further information please contact Lance King at Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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