FLEURIEU Beef Group chairman Geoff Bowles says the organisation strongly opposes water levies applied on producers in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
He said the group made a submission to the NRM Board but received no feedback.
Mr Bowles farms beef cattle on his 260ha property at Mount Compass in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges.
Water license holders began being billed in this region last year.
"Farmers are disappointed this area has been proclaimed for a start," he said.
"Bores are metered at a rate of $5.70 a megalitre. I am paying $1300 a year for our allocation.
"The government hasn't put any money back into the infrastructure or towards paying for putting our meters in and it is very disappointing we have to pay at all.
"We feel they are double dipping and we are cash cows for the government."
Mr Bowles said water levies were preventing farmers from being able to capitalise on record high beef prices.
"There hasn't been much irrigation for beef in the past but with the increase in beef prices since Christmas, farmers can put more money into inputs meaning they could irrigate," he said.
"But they are asking if it is worth it, especially in places like the Western Mount Lofty Ranges which charges $6/ML.
"You think you are getting ahead and then this forces you to take a step back."
