Broadcast 6.30pm on 26/06/2003 http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_future/Transcripts/s889669.htm
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||
| A natural spring changed the way the Crolls manage
their farm |
|||||
|
|
|
GEORGE NEGUS: Well, just because we're into winter
doesn't mean that the country's in the clear from drought. Far from it, in fact.
But a few months back, Andrea Ulbrick met one couple who appear to have no
problem whatsoever with the elements and water, pretty much regardless of the
season or the weather.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
On the Crolls' property, water is literally coming up
out of the ground |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
ANDREA ULBRICK, REPORTER: While much of Australia is in the grip of one of
the worst droughts on record, on this property in Gippsland, water is literally
coming up out of the ground.
HARRY CROLL: It used to be a lot lower. And it was all reeds and swamp. We found
that this big area – there'd have to be, oh, an acre or more – is just one
big spring.
ANDREA ULBRICK: A natural spring?
HARRY CROLL: Yeah.
ANDREA ULBRICK: Wow.
And it was this natural spring that changed the way Harry and Lyn Croll are
managing their farm today. When they first arrived on their 65-hectare property
32 years ago, they had to find a way to stop the constant flooding.
HARRY CROLL: The original job on the farm was to stop flooding. So you put in
the dams, the pipes in, so that there's a retardation effect right through. By
doing that, then you get to use the water as you want it.
ANDREA ULBRICK: So it's all about management?
HARRY CROLL: That's right. Instead of getting one big flood, you control it.
ANDREA ULBRICK: The first spin-off meant that the problem of salinity was simply
washed away.
HARRY CROLL: One of the reasons that I bought it was because I thought I could
fix this old thing.
ANDREA ULBRICK: What did you pay for the property?
HARRY CROLL: $45,000.
ANDREA ULBRICK: Right. So that kind of makes sense.
HARRY CROLL: They were glad to get out of it.
ANDREA ULBRICK: And it didn't take long for the Crolls' property to become a
haven for bird life.
LYN CROLL: Usually we've got the pair of swans and the babies that they have for
the year, and they've got five this year. And the swan used to sit in there each
year, so I used to go and sit for her... with her and feed her, and she taught
me the language, so I know some of their calls.
ANDREA ULBRICK: Really?
LYN CROLL: Yes.
ANDREA ULBRICK: So you can speak swan language?
LYN CROLL: A little bit, yes.
ANDREA ULBRICK: Can we hear a little bit of swan-talk?
LYN CROLL: Oh, I just call out... (Mimics swan) ..and that means "Come
on!" (Laughs)
ANDREA ULBRICK: She'd come to you when you do that?
LYN CROLL: Yes.
ANDREA ULBRICK: Besides the immediate health benefits of conserving so much
water, Harry has also been able to run the farm without traditional chemicals.
HARRY CROLL: I don't spend anything on fertiliser, because it comes naturally
with the water. I don't have to have any diesel to pump the water out.
ANDREA ULBRICK: But the most unexpected bonus has been the success of Harry's
latest passion. In 1994, his gelding State Taj took out one of the racing
world's most prestigious prizes.
HARRY CROLL: We got invited to race at Hong Kong in the Hong Kong International
Cup – all expenses paid. So we went over there... and he won. The horses seem
to grow big and strong out there at the farm – that might've had something to
do with it. It's very relaxing out there. And the horses are relaxed.
ANDREA ULBRICK: Why are you and Lyn so obsessed with water?
HARRY CROLL: Well, I'm an Aquarius. I've always played in water. You've got to
work with the environment. And don't force things. Work with it, never against
it. 'Cause everything seems to have a place. Work with nature, you just live
longer.
LYN CROLL: Yes.
HARRY CROLL: And, uh...
LYN CROLL: It keeps you healthy.
HARRY CROLL: It keeps you healthy, your mind...
LYN CROLL: Yeah, you have the right outlook.
GEORGE NEGUS: The age of the aquarium. The Crolls in their very own waterworld,
minus the ubiquitous Kevin Costner, of course