I’m furious

IT IS nothing short of appalling that we, the Riverland, have been labelled as a non-viable region.

Even though we have one of the most efficient irrigation systems in the world, scientists say up to 39 per cent of our water allocation should be taken away.
And it's because of the governments’ mismanagement of the system.
Really though, I’m not surprised because when a group of us were pleading with Riverland people to take one or two days off to come to Canberra just 65 came.
Then, a little while later, a more accessible Adelaide rally was held and we had 50 people attend.
Not just growers, but shop owners and every single business in our region was invited through this paper, radio and television advertising, yet everyone was too busy and thought the problem would work itself out.
So, 65 and 50 people - from a possible 5000 candidates – set aside one or two days from their 365 day calendar. A sad, but interesting fact.
We were laughed at then, because it showed no-one cared. Now it is easier for our governments to clean out this region completely in the next five to 10 years because they know we’ll do nothing.
Grape, citrus, stonefruit and almond growers need every drop of their allocation to maintain a reasonably stable economy. Reduce these businesses considerably and look out.
If it ever was a time to make government wake up and realise we are human beings with kids and families, not monkeys in the jungle, it is now. But hey, some monkeys have it better than where we are heading.
I keep hearing, 'Be positive, don’t bag the region, bring tourists in rah, rah, rah’, which I have been doing.
But for how long can we block out reality?
The Lake Bonney issue is a clear indication that they want us to eventually disappear.
However, I have massive faith in Nick Xenophon and am eagerly awaiting his input to this matter.
Nick needs voices and support in numbers, so if we need to rally properly this time, please consider this point:
If we sit on our hands this time, we are looking at a very bleak future in the Riverland, and not just growers.
I apologise if I am sounding emotional, but I am furious with our Federal and State Governments.
Enough is enough.
CON DOUPIS
Barmera