The State Government is investing $18 million to assist farming communities affected by drought across South Australia, as many primary producers experience their driest season on record.
The support package includes a range of measures including grants for on-farm drought resilience infrastructure, mental health and community support, and funding to enable donated fodder to reach more communities.
Minister Clare Scriven says the package has been informed by wide-spread consultation, key primary industry input and state, federal and local government discussions.
“We’ve had drought round tables bringing people together from different regions and also the Drought Advisory Group and last week I had a meeting with nearly all of the regional mayors and CEs,” Minister Clare Scriven told ARN’s Adam and Jennie this morning.
She added that the funding for charities like Aussie Hay Runners will also be beneficial to help them facilitate transport donated hay and fodder for farmers.
“Simone Bailey, the Mid Murray Mayor spoke to me about this a little while ago and so we’ve been investigating what we could do and so $2 million to be able to assist with the freight costs with the donated fodder is a really important step forward,” Minister Scriven said.
Liberal MP Tony Pasin has welcomed the investment.
“Getting fodder to where it’s needed is no small task and the organisers of various hay runs do an amazing job to support our Aussie livestock producers in times of drought,” Tony Pasin said.
Linda Widdup of Aussie Hay Runners says she is grateful for the support.
“The announcement today that includes funding for fodder transport will make a huge difference and I thank Tony for his advocacy,” Linda Widdup said.
There is a fundraiser event this Friday 29 November at the Mannum Leisure Centre from 5-9pm for Hay Runner with a Christmas Market and free community barbeque.
Assistance measures include:
- $5 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates of up to 75% (to a maximum of $5,000 excluding GST) that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness.
- $2 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock.
- $1 million for additional health and wellbeing support through the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Family and Business Support Program.
- $100,000 for grants of up to $5,000 for the ‘Connecting Communities Events Program’, for groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support during these challenging times.
- $4.4 million budget commitment to provide Family and Business (FaB) Mentors and Rural Financial Counsellors, who provide free confidential and independent services that link people with the appropriate assistance.
- $5.5 million funding provided to the State and Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund, which includes ongoing programs to help farmers with farm business resilience planning, climate tools and demonstrating more resilient farming practices.
Apply for funding and find out more via pir.sa.gov.au/emergencies_and_recovery/drought.
