Derek Cameron does everything he can to protect his 30 acres of grapes in McLaren Vale.
Reliant on mains water, he has invested in a highly efficient irrigation system, but when the heat hits the vines begin to wither. Yet while his and other irrigators’ crops go thirsty, the water that could save them flows out to sea.
The State and Federal Governments have funded a 700 Ml dam for treated waste water storage as a part of the “Waterproofing the South” project.
The dam will be able to supply water to more than 50 per cent of the irrigators in McLaren Vale, helping people like Mr Cameron. This will reduce demand for mains water from the Murray River and help to reduce damage such as the estimated $30 million of crops and subsequent $120 million in wine sales, lost in the February heatwave.
The State Government said the dam should be completed by September this year. However, McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association acting chairman Jock Harvey is demanding the September deadline in writing from the Government.
He said the State Government had previously suggested the dam would be completed by February this year and was gravely concerned that the process was taking too long and jeopardising crops. He said the 700 Ml reclaimed water storage project would protect crops, growers and farmers, reduce polluted outflow to the ocean and increase drinking water to the SA Water network.
“We have water that can save growers and vineyards that is being pumped out to sea,” Mr Harvey said. “There are plenty of people who will seriously struggle without the access to this water.”
The dam will be filled with reclaimed water from the Christies Beach waste water treatment plant.
Mr Harvey said that without confirmation, irrigators still reliant on Murray water and likely to face further water restrictions would be forced to make tough business decisions before next season.
“This year will be even more critical because these growers are quite desperate to find out whether they’ll be able to move across to the treated water,” Mr Harvey said.
“The region is the biggest employer south of Adelaide and the investment in this dam would have significant savings for its whole economy.”
SA Water chief operating officer John Ringham said a contract was awarded last week with preliminary site works starting three days later
MELISSA MACK
Independent Weekly
