The SAMI Drought Task Force had been invited by the Federal Agriculture Minister, Peter McGauran, to present its One Basin, One Plan assistance package directly to the banks.

SAMI director, Tim Whetstone, said that if the banks supported the plan, many irrigators might have access to the new loans scheme to lease water before summer arrives.

Mr Whetstone said the One Basin, One Plan proposal was designed to assist growers who wish to lease or sell water.

It is intended to complement existing EC measures.

"We are not looking for a rescue package that takes months to roll out," he said.

"This plan won't suit everyone's water crisis.

"But it will give irrigators a more realistic financing option if they want to lease or buy more water to keep plantings alive.

"We would like to see the SA Government, or the Federal Government, buy water for its irrigators.

"But the political reality is that they won't even discuss such a proposal.

"So, in the short term, we must give our irrigators some means by which to purchase more water.

"We believe that low-interest, long-term loans will be our most achievable solution."

SOURCE: Extract from full report in the Stock Journal, SA, October 18.