The battle to save Australia’s productive land has received a boost with the appointment of Don Budge to the position of Local Government Dryland Salinity Officer with the Murray Darling Association. Dryland salinity is causing declining productivity on the land and increasing salinity in our river systems. Restoration costs are now estimated to exceed the value of product generated in the affected areas, presenting a problem for rural economies and their Councils.
Don Budge will travel to affected areas, liaising with local Councils, to firstly identify if there is a problem, and secondly to assist with formulating community education and action plans to tackle the problem. He said the problem arose from historical circumstances. Pioneer farmers and graziers misunderstood the Australian environment and adopted inappropriate land management techniques for this continent.
“Basically, by clearing trees, they caused the water table to rise and with it salinity,” he said. “The main remedy is large scale tree planting.” Another issue in the crisis confronting the Murray Darling region is the availability of water in general and the impact low rainfall has on productivity. “It may be necessary for some landowners to consider whether crops, such as rice, are appropriate for the region,” Don said.
The Dryland Salinity Program will rely on the cooperation of farmers but, he added, most are aware that unless they do something now they will suffer from ever decreasing productivity on their land.
Both State and Federal Government support is being sought for the program. He said since the project was announced at the ALGA National General Assembly in Canberra last December he has already received calls from Councils all over Australia seeking advice and assistance in this matter.
For further information contact Don Budge, telephone (02) 6021 3655
