The South Australian State Government has announced a significant $18 million investment to support farming communities enduring drought, with many producers experiencing their driest season on record.
Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged the widespread impact of drought, stating:
“The impacts of drought and adverse conditions are being felt far and wide across South Australia’s farming communities.
Our investments include financial assistance for on-farm infrastructure and additional support for health and wellbeing services and initiatives which unite communities.
This significant package is also investing in farmers to drought-proof their properties and grow their business resilience planning for a sustainable future.”
The support package was developed with input from drought roundtables conducted across the state and the SA Drought Advisory Group, which includes representatives from key primary industries, as well as state, federal, and local governments.
Key Assistance Measures
- On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants: $5 million allocated for rebates of up to 75% (maximum $5,000 excluding GST) to support projects that manage drought conditions and improve preparedness.
- Freight Support for Donated Fodder: $2 million to assist charities with transportation costs to ensure fodder reaches farmers feeding livestock.
- Health and Wellbeing Support: $1 million for additional services provided by the Rural Financial Counselling Service and the Family and Business Support Program.
- Connecting Communities Events Program: $100,000 for grants of up to $5,000 for community events fostering social connections during challenging times.
- Family and Business (FaB) Mentors and Rural Financial Counsellors: $4.4 million to provide free, confidential, and independent assistance to connect individuals with necessary support.
- Future Drought Fund Contribution: $5.5 million to the State and Federal Government’s initiative, enabling ongoing programs for farm business resilience planning, climate tools, and resilient farming practices.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven emphasised the importance of targeted and effective support, highlighting:
“Our farmers are feeding our state, the nation, and the world, but are facing incredibly challenging times right now with many experiencing their driest season on record.
I am regularly speaking with producers and industry groups to ensure the State Government is providing targeted, effective support and that is exactly what these measures provide.
The feedback from the Drought Advisory Group and regional drought roundtables has been very valuable in understanding the range of challenges being experienced and identifying priority areas for support, which have been included in this package.”
Robyn Verrall, Upper South East Livestock Farmer expressed her support for the measures:
“The State Government’s significant investment to support the capacity of farmers is going to help many around the state be in the best position to get through this challenging season.
Bringing farmers and communities together during these difficult times is important. The additional mental health and wellness support provided through these community events and counselling will be highly valued.
Building resilience and strong planning for the future is vital for our industries. Providing these resources and workshops will ensure longevity of our South Australian produce which is sold all around the world.”
For more information on drought support, visit the PIRSA website at pir.sa.gov.au/drought.
