The pressing need for a long-term strategy has been underscored by the region’s latest drought, which forced some dairy farmers to purchase water for their stock. According to UDV president Bernie Free, this is not a new problem but rather a recurring one, with the area having experienced multiple prolonged droughts over the past several decades. The historical context, a key piece of data journalism, highlights that the struggle for a reliable water source is a constant threat to the region’s agricultural stability.

During the meeting, a wide range of ideas were put forward to tackle the issue, from immediate, stop-gap measures to more comprehensive projects. Suggestions included the establishment of more simple standpipes for emergency use and the ambitious development of a fully integrated system that would connect to the main Wannon Water network. These proposals demonstrate the farmers’ determination to find a solution that will make them more self-sufficient and less reliant on external sources during dry periods.

The next step is for the organizing bodies to collate all the suggestions and conduct a pre-feasibility study. The primary focus of this study will be to estimate the costs associated with the various proposals. While there is a clear consensus that “something needs to be done,” the article notes that cost remains the biggest obstacle. The aim is to find an economically viable path forward that can ultimately make the total water system more resilient for the entire farming community.