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PAT Senserrick's family have grown artichoke,cauliflower and lettuce on the river flats at Keilor since 1926.
But today, their fields are empty for the first time in more than 80 years. The extended drought and cost of irrigation water has pushed their business over the edge.
The Maribyrnong River has always been the main water supply for Keilor growers, but the exteded drought has left them without water to irrigate their crops.
Mr Senserrick, said vegetable growing was no longer viable in the area, particularly for smaller growers.
State MP Don Nardella, said "growing vegetables on Melbourne's fringes was still viable but growers needed to have the protection of long-term certainty."
But that's not the case, says Mr Senserrick.
Source: Jason Dowling , The AGE - 20 June, 2009 |
