The Macalister Consultative Committee (MCCC) is providing a framework for how a united, committed advisory group can assist farmers enduring dry conditions throughout southern Victoria.
According to MCCC Chair and Gormandale farmer, Benn Thexton, the incumbent committee comprises the kind of knowledge and cohesion that is allowing for more effective collaboration between the MCCC and Southern Rural Water. Their efforts are key to ensuring farmers in the Macalister Irrigation District can gain the full value of their entitlements and work towards future-proofing their farms.
Benn said the importance of such a strong partnership shouldn’t be undervalued, given present dry conditions in Victoria, which date back to as far as late 2023.
“We’re not afraid to engage in robust discussions and we can do it respectfully. We work well together. We have considered opinions and generations of knowledge,” Benn said
“We’ve got a good open line to (Managing Director) Cameron FitzGerald and the Southern Rural Water team, which is really important.”
Benn said shoring up a consistent, reliable water supply is ‘gold’ for any producer and will play a major role in ensuring the district can manage demands as climate conditions change.
“Well-managed water, and the ability to control water, is such a privilege and a crucial buffer for farming operations. It’s possibly undervalued at the moment,” he said.
“Without it, the Macalister Irrigation District would be just sheep and cropping. The water is an integral part to value-adding the products we are creating in the district. We want to continue our work, so we can ensure the district remains productive and economically viable.”
The incumbent MCCC includes generational, lifelong farmers, who are dedicated to ensuring customer voices are heard.
“The business of releasing water, and the ability of identifying low-reliability water, are always challenging discussions. Although irrigators’ expectations don’t always align with Southern Rural Waters’ vision, we’ve continued with conversations that are bridging that gap, which is pleasing,” Benn said.
“That kind of united approach will keep us on the same page and see us through tough times.”
Benn is a fifth-generation farmer, with his family’s operations also including properties at Nambrok and Cobains. Having learned from previous droughts, Benn said he knows only too well how mentally challenging things can become.
“You do hear a lot of negative things in passing conversations and I feel for farmers doing it hard, particularly in the south west. It can be hard, but sometimes you’ve got to step outside the day-to-day running of the farm and look at the bigger picture,” Benn said.
“It’s tough. As farmers, we’re the largest group of legal gamblers in the world – the weather being the gamble we take.
“Try to have a plan and write it down on paper. Having a plan means the chaos in your head is rationalised on paper, even though sometimes there are no solutions. It can be difficult to rationalise the conditions but remember that farming is one component of your business, not your life.
“Any social outlet is important, too. Whether it’s sitting on a committee, attending the football or church.”
For Benn, his work with the MCCC gives him a great sense of helping others, as well as confidence the district can work through drier seasons. He encouraged others to consider doing something similar.
“The MCCC offers an opportunity for an irrigator to voice their opinion. So, when the next round of nominations come out, people should consider putting up their hand,” he said.
“You can influence the direction of the district, as we are one of the most active committees of its type in the region. At the end of the day, we don’t want the government to have full control of managing our water. A collective effort will produce much better results.”
A range of financial support and assistance services are available to help farmers manage the difficult seasonal conditions. Services include technical support, financial counselling and wellbeing support.
For more information about preparing for and responding to dry seasonal conditions, including available supports and resources, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.