PIRSA Drought Package - $18 million support package for drought-affected farmers
The State Government is investing a total of $18 million to assist farming communities affected by drought across South Australia.
The package includes new funding for:
- $5 million for on-farm drought infrastructure grants
- $2 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock.
- An extra $1 million for additional health and wellbeing support through the Family and Business (FaB) Mentors and Rural Financial Counsellors
$100,000 for grants of up to $5,000 for events that connect communities
The $18 million also includes existing programs, including:
- $4.4 million budget commitment to provide FaB Mentors and Rural Financial Counsellors
- $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
GRANTS & REBATES:
People can visit PIRSA’s drought webpage and apply for the following.
- On-farm drought infrastructure rebate: Primary producers can apply for rebates of up to 75% (to a maximum of $5,000 excluding GST) for on-farm drought infrastructure
- Connecting Communities events grants: Applications are now open for eligible groups to host events that foster social connection and provide community support, including mental health first aid training. This grant can be accessed by business groups/associations as well as farming/commodity groups, recognising the flow on impacts to the retail, service and business sectors of the tougher times experienced by the agricultural sector.
Please note that both programs are open until the funds are exhausted which may be prior to the closing date so it is best to get applications in early.
FAMILY AND BUSINESS (FaB) MENTORS
PIRSA's Family and Business (FaB) Mentors are available to help primary producers navigate challenging times and identify assistance specific to your situation.
FaB mentors are a free, independent and confidential service who can provide a listening ear when things get tough.
ONGOING HARDSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAMS
This new drought support package is on top of a range of ongoing support programs that are available based on need.
Support is available to all communities in South Australia.
- Family and Business Mentors
- Rural Financial Counselling Service
- Farm Household Allowance
- Taxation measures and support
- Low interest and concessional loans
- Farm debt mediation
- Farm management deposits
- Telecommunications bill assistance
- Industry-led support programs
- Small business support
Visit PIRSA’s drought webpage to learn more and download the ‘SA Assistance guide for primary producers’.
If you have any questions about the programs above, you are welcome to contact PIRSA.recovery@sa.gov.au or call the PIRSA Recovery Hotline on 1800 931 314