Maintaining our nation’s security must always be a government’s highest priority. But what about the other issue of ‘security’, that being food security?
If a world war broke out, how well are we prepared to feed a population that is rapidly approaching 30 million and growing at a rate of more than 2.5 per cent a year? The reality is, we’re not well prepared — and this situation will worsen under current Australian Government policy settings.
In a land of ‘droughts and flooding rains’ our forefathers established irrigation systems, in particular across northern Victoria and southern NSW, which are world’s best practice and designed to drought-proof a large part of the nation.
They allow our farmers to grow food, even as the population increases, and regardless of global circumstances.
But national food security is threatened because the Albanese Government refuses to acknowledge the need to effectively balance water resources. As a result, food production is being reduced and we will become more reliant on imports, which are already growing at an alarming rate.
Australia is now home to millions of migrants, many who moved here hoping for a life that is not adversely impacted by conflict or lack of food. We may not be able to avoid global conflict; however, the issue of producing enough food for every table is under our own government’s control.
If we do not change water policy settings, more imported food will be needed. That is indisputable. What happens if, like with other imported products during COVID and other emergencies, it’s unavailable?
Shelley Scoullar
Albury, NSW
4°C