“This is an emergency”.

That is the urgent message from Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross, who has issued a heartfelt appeal to the government for immediate support for farmers grappling with severe drought in the area.

Mr Ross emphasised that the widespread impact of the drought challenged the outdated belief that farmers can always manage on their own.

“When hundreds are impacted by a natural disaster, we call it an emergency. This drought is impacting tens of thousands, and yet it is being left up to individual farmers—already stressed and battling to keep their farms operating and animals fed—to reach out for help,” he said.

“I understand that drought no longer needs to be declared in a region for farmers to be eligible for assistance,” he said.

“But let’s call it: this is an emergency.”

The mayor’s appeal comes on the heels of a compelling message shared in the Legislative Council—a heartfelt letter from Naracoorte resident Abby Miller addressed to the South Australian premier, Peter Malinauskas.

The letter was read in the Upper House last week by Nicola Centofanti, the shadow minister for Regional South Australia.

Mr Ross said Abby’s words about the drought and its emotional, physical, and financial toll on farmers, families, and all of those who hold up rural life—echoed what he was hearing on the land.

“There is very little to no food on offer where the sheep are headed, and we are expecting ewe losses and reduced lamb survival rates,” he said in a statement.

“The South East in places may have a green tinge, but, for many, nothing, and these unprecedented dry times are leaving many concerned about the months ahead.

“It’s not too late for an opening rain, as the soil temperatures, although falling, will still allow for quick growth from annuals and allow the perennials to push along.

“As a family, we take heart in supporting each other and continue to talk and have discussions on what the next few months—and then years—may look like as we come to terms with the potential damage to our landscape and what the future may hold.”

He said drought funds were welcomed but should flow more freely to the people on the land and the small rural businesses that supported them.

“In the last week, I’ve had all the cows and calves through the yards for AI and marking. The calves are a long way from their usual bloom: I call them “woody”.

“The last of the ewes go out of confinement, with the XB ewes in fair order, but the merinos are below par—hopefully they will have the energy to have a lamb.

“We will continue to feed them until it’s too risky losing lambs from mismothering. The weekly bill is $2200 for the sheep alone.”

Despite the mounting hardships, the mayor reassured the farming community that they were not facing this crisis in isolation.

“Above all, please know you are not alone,” he affirmed.

“The incredible hard work you do for our community and our state is valued beyond words, and we will continue to advocate for better support, delivered in better ways.”

Mr Ross has urged the premier to listen closely to Abby’s words.

“She speaks for many.”

For help, please reach out to the following:

• Rural Business Support to find out how to access up to $1,500 in financial assistance to help cover the costs of utility bills, medical appointments, council rates, vehicle repairs, and school fees.
• Council if you are having difficulties paying rates. A confidential phone call to the council’s rates officer at 8760 1100 can help you navigate this.
• If you are struggling to cope in any way, reach out to Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline at 13 11 14.

Additional information: Naracoorte Lucindale Council

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 21 May 2025.
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