A new $55 million drought assistance package for South Australian farmers has been designed with direct feedback from primary producers
The South Australian government has announced a $55 million assistance package for drought affected farmers and communities across the state.
It builds upon the $18 million in initial assistance announced by the state government in November 2024, with the latest package designed in direct consultation with primary producers, including a roundtable with farmers and key industry bodies.
Most of South Australia has been experiencing drought conditions, including some regions with their lowest rainfall on record. The state government says even if the drought were to break, its impacts will continue for many months or years.
“When we announced our first drought relief package in November, I made clear that we would closely monitor the rollout of support and would not hesitate to act if needed,” premier Peter Malinauskas says.
“In the time since, the drought has not abated. In fact, things have got worse.
“We cannot make it rain. But we can take practical action to support our farmers and help prepare them for the next drought.
“The package announced is wide ranging and has been designed taking on board the direct feedback of primary producers. It includes immediate financial relief for those doing it toughest, significant mental health supports, support for wider regional communities and businesses.”
New assistance measures in the package include:
- A further $13 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness
- An additional $4 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock
- Immediate financial relief by providing rebates for Emergency Services Levy and commercial vehicle registration fees for primary producers receiving the Commonwealth’s Farm Household Allowance
- $2.5 million for an immediate and comprehensive strategy to boost mental health and resilience in drought affected areas
- $1 million for Rural Financial Counselling Support
- $3.5 million in additional supports for Rural Small Businesses
- $3.1 million to assist with culling pests and manage kangaroo populations
- $4.5 million to support producers with the implementation of electronic identification for sheep and farmed goats
- $1.4 million to co-invest with councils in the upgrade of regional standpipes
- $1.1 million to support the provision of standpipes for critical water needs in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu
- $500,000 to make bulk water available from Bundaleer and/or Beetaloo Reservoirs
- $2 million to assist sport and recreation clubs in drought affected areas through the Active Club Program
- $400,000 to develop and encourage new regional events in drought affected areas through the Regional Event Fund
- $250,000 to provide financial support for country students affected by drought to attend camps and excursions
- A further $250,000 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
- $17.4 million for Future Drought Fund Preparedness and Resilience programs.
Livestock SA CEO Travis Tobin says the announcement of the drought support package is a significant step in helping livestock producers across the state who have been impacted by some of their driest years on record.
“From water and other critical infrastructure, electronic sheep identification, kangaroo measures, rebates to reduce the cost of doing business in the short term and resilience planning to help producers longer term – it is welcome support for our industry as it continues to supply quality red meat and wool to South Australian’s and the world,” Tobin says.