AUSTRALIA’S STRAINED RELATIONSHIP WITH PRECIOUS RESOURCE
Rural Aid asks Australians to be water conscious in National Water Week
While much needed rain has brought welcome relief to devastatingly parched parts of Australia so far this year, Rural Aid is reminding Australians that much of the nation is still in drought and zealous water usage continues to pose a challenge for the entire nation.
CEO of Rural Aid, John Warlters, says primary producers have been heavily impacted by severe rainfall deficiencies in recent years and whole industries have reported record downturns.
“Both cotton growers and viticulturalists reported their smallest crops in decades, despite recent improvements in drought tolerance innovations to achieve ‘more crop per drop’,” Mr Warlters said.
The latest ABS data shows total water use in Australia increased by six per cent over a twelve months period, with households increasing their use by four per cent and individuals increasing theirs by five per cent.
He says Australians can do their bit to help by changing behaviours.
“The stark fact is Australians are the highest users of water per person in the world, despite living the driest inhabited continent.”
“Consistent or even predictable rainfall is not a luxury we enjoy here on this wide brown land.”
Rural Aid frequently delivers water to towns and families in need.
“From replenishing water for livestock, to supplying fresh water for long-awaited showers and clothes washing, the water delivered by Rural Aid has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for drought-affected families around Australia.”
“Through Rural Aid, everyday Australians have been
able to make a big difference in tiny towns during the longest lasting drought
in our nation’s history.”
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Media enquiries: Lyndsey Douglas 0424203935 | media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au
Media spokespersons: Rural Aid CEO John Warlters – 0409 618 641
About Rural Aid
Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.
Visit www.ruralaid.org.au/snapshots for Rural Aid’s latest assistance statistics.
Follow Rural Aid for updates on:
FB: @ruralaidaustralia | @buyabaleofhay
IN: Rural Aid Ltd
TW: @ruralaidaust | @buyabale