A $55 million support package will help South Australian farmers and rural communities struggling to survive an escalating drought crisis that’s wiped billions from the economy.
Unveiling the measures on April 8, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas declared the government “cannot make it rain, but we can take practical action to support our farmers”.
The South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association welcomed the support package.
“We are now facing unprecedented drought conditions which are not only the worst in living memory for many of our farmers but the worst in the memory of their parents and grandparents,” SADA president Robert Brokenshire said.
“As we face these multi-generational challenges we welcome the considered support now offered by the South Australian government,” he said.
On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants announced in the initial package have been well received by dairy farmers and SADA welcomed the extension of this program for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness.
“We also welcome the commitment to an immediate and comprehensive strategy to boost mental health and resilience in drought-affected areas,” Mr Brokenshire said.
He thanked SA Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven.
“The minister has remained in close contact with SADA’s concerns and we acknowledge her efforts in advocating on behalf of agriculture to the premier and cabinet to enable this package.
“SADA will work with our members to ensure that all dairy farmers are engaged with the new government package.”
Mr Malinauskas acknowledged that since the initial $18 million package was released in November, “things have got worse”, particularly for the state’s $18.5 billion primary industries and agribusiness sector.
“The package I announce today … includes immediate financial relief for those doing it toughest, significant mental health supports, and support for wider regional communities and businesses,” he said.
It includes $13 million for on-farm drought infrastructure grants, $4 million to help charities transport donated fodder and $2.5 million for a mental health strategy.
There is also $1 million for rural financial counselling support, $3.5 million to support rural small businesses, $3.1 million to cull pests, and $4.5 million to support producers implement electronic identification for sheep and goats.
Last week the Bureau of Meteorology said the drought had spread and become more severe in March, with seven regions experiencing their lowest rainfall on record since February 2024.
Water carters are working at full capacity with waiting lists and on Adelaide’s fridges, there are emergency bulk water collection points for homes without water.
Adelaide’s 10 reservoirs are at 38 per cent capacity compared to 49 per cent at the same time last year, the lowest in more than 20 years.
The city’s desalination plant has been producing up to 300 million litres of water daily, up from an average of 17 million litres a day in January 2024, to prevent the need for city water restrictions.
The support package was designed in consultation with primary producers, after a roundtable with farmers and key industry bodies hosted by the premier.
Primary Producers SA chair Simon Maddocks said the government had listened to the concerns of primary industries and rural communities.
“These targeted measures will deliver much-needed, comprehensive support to farming families and rural communities, helping to ease the economic and social pressures caused by the prolonged drought affecting much of the state,” he said.
For more information on the drought support package, visit: pir.sa.gov.au/drought
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