As darkness settled, I was walking home down Yambil Street

Passing the Griff this ghostly demon spirit appeared

All I could think was to make a hasty retreat

I legged it as fast as I could into Ulong Street

I thought if I made it into Banna Avenue safe I would be

But it followed me and I’m sure it said “not so fast, mate”

Feeling unsafe, my life flashing before my eyes was all I could see

I promise to be good, no more bets or drinks and walking home late

All of a sudden I was enveloped by this freezing cold chill

Then just as quick it was gone as I made it into Banna Avenue

Feeling now safe, I slowed down, but it certainly was no thrill

So be aware and careful late at night if walking home

As this ghostly spirit haunts or resides in Yambil Street

I definitely saw it for myself without any doubt

You are warned so I hope with it you never meet

Early water allocations are paramount to save valuable dying crops, stock and supply other drought stricken farming areas. We have a current water crisis situation, but solutions are possible if we think outside the box. We need to challenge water charter for future drought and flow management.

Our farming community can provide food and fodder for other communities in this present longstanding drought if they are given access to water. We cannot make it rain but we can utilise existing water. Six gates are open at Murray mouth in SA, allowing wastage of fresh water to the ocean (28/8 MIL Talking Water). What is the rationale behind this wastage? 

Farmers use water productively, unlike those who manage environmental water and send it wastefully out to sea. If human basic needs are food, water and shelter (clothing included), why is it so challenging in the present water crisis for water managers to restrict irrigators access to existing water? Providing water will enable them to finish off their winter crops and grow fodder to maintain all stock including dairy. Their crops will die within weeks – if they have not already done so. 

It should be noted that dams in the Murray catchment were constructed originally to store water for the purpose of drought-proofing farms and flood mitigation in the NSW Murray Valley. Food for human consumption, stock fodder (potential losses) and fibre (cotton and wool) are basic needs and without this productivity community businesses are unable to flourish. 

The flow-on effects are job losses, such as retail, machinery sales, trades, plus a decrease in the likes of student numbers, health workers and facilities along with a decline in population. Farmers are land carers and therefore the health of the environment is critical to them also, so don’t they have a right to some environmental water in a drought crisis? 

Our future endeavours should be to focus on an amendment to the Water Charter enabling parliament to better protect against future drought and flood crises.

Have you got a letter you want to share with the community? Email it to editor@areanews.com.au or drop it in to 11b Banna Avenue.