THE Department of Agriculture and Food WA in Esperance says livestock producers in Salmon Gums are managing water issues by carting supplies.
Spokesman Brendan Nicholas said for the last 12 months water has been transported from Quarry Reservoir and other government dams in the area.
“Producers in the Beaumont and Condingup areas are monitoring dam levels and will manage by water carting where required,” Mr Nicholas said.
“The department has been working closely with the Esperance Shire Council to ensure livestock water issues were addressed in a timely manner.”
Salmon Gums producer Rod Mc Crea says his dams are almost empty.
“This year is much worst than last year - we only had one decent rain this winter and not much run-off has come from that,” Mr Mc Crea said.
“There is a lot of water being carted out of the quarry at this stage I am happy with the shire’s approach,” he said.
Esperance Shire Chief Executive Officer Mal Osborne said the dry season brought a number of issues for farmers.
“Most farmers haven’t had run-off for stock so many are carting water,” he said.
“We have to make sure there are sufficient points for farmers to pick up and cart water for their stock.”
Mr Osborne said the recent completion of two-year project, the Howick Hill water supply, has greatly assisted farmers and locals.
“They use this dam for emergency and livestock water supply.”
