Water deficiency declared in Shire of Ravensthorpe

Mt Short, near Ravensthorpe, has today been declared water deficient.

Water Minister David Kelly announced this morning water deficiency had been declared for Mt Short in the Shire of Ravensthorpe in the wake of prolonged dry spells.

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will cart water to farms in the area from tomorrow to underpin animal welfare, while also reducing the distance farmers have to travel to source emergency water for livestock.

DWER is liaising with local shires and farmers on water requirements in other affected areas.

“Climate change has contributed to low winter rainfall and no follow up summer rainfall, particularly in the mid-northern region of the Shire of Ravensthorpe,” Mr Kelly said.

“Water carting to the area will begin tomorrow and affected farmers are being notified directly on where to collect their supplies.”

The declaration comes after Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud travelled to Ravensthorpe in March to meet with parched farmers struggling with low rainfall.