South Australian Dairy Farmers Secure $18 Million Drought Relief Package
Source: DairyNews.today
Dairy farmers in South Australia, grappling with one of the driest seasons on record, have received a boost with an $18 million government funding package aimed at drought resilience and community support.
The initiative, shaped in part by the South Australian Dairyfarmers Association (SADA), includes grants for on-farm infrastructure, mental health services, and support for transporting donated fodder to affected regions.
Industry Welcome
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) hailed the package as a victory for SADA and the wider dairy farming community in South Australia.
“Dairy farmers across South Australia and south-west Victoria have been doing it tough this year, so this will be welcome news for primary producers,” ADF President Ben Bennett said.
Bennett highlighted the challenges posed by prolonged dry conditions, which have restricted access to water and the ability to grow feed—essential for maintaining livestock and producing high-quality dairy products.
“These challenges place significant stress on the farmers affected, so news that South Australia is willing to help relieve the load with these initiatives is certainly something to celebrate,” he said.
While appreciative of the support, Bennett called for long-term drought preparedness and resilience measures to address the recurring impacts of climate challenges on farming communities.
Breakdown of the Relief Package
The funding is set to provide targeted support to help farmers manage immediate challenges while building resilience for future drought conditions:
$5 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, offering rebates of up to 75% (capped at $5,000, excluding GST) for projects that enhance drought preparedness.
$2 million to assist charities with transportation costs for delivering donated fodder to help feed livestock.
$1 million for mental health and wellbeing initiatives through the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Family and Business Support Program.
$100,000 for the Connecting Communities Events Program, providing grants of up to $5,000 for social events that foster community support.
$4.4 million for family and business mentors and rural financial counsellors to offer free and independent assistance to farmers and connect them with relevant resources.
$5.5 million in contributions to the state and federal Future Drought Fund, focusing on farm business resilience planning, climate tools, and promoting resilient farming practices.
Toward a Sustainable Future
The package reflects growing recognition of the need for coordinated support to address both immediate and long-term effects of drought.
“We will continue to advocate for policies that provide stability and sustainability for dairy farmers in the face of ongoing climate challenges,” Bennett said.
The funding is expected to alleviate pressures on farmers while encouraging more robust strategies for drought preparedness and adaptation across South Australia’s dairy industry.
Industry Welcome
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) hailed the package as a victory for SADA and the wider dairy farming community in South Australia.
“Dairy farmers across South Australia and south-west Victoria have been doing it tough this year, so this will be welcome news for primary producers,” ADF President Ben Bennett said.
Bennett highlighted the challenges posed by prolonged dry conditions, which have restricted access to water and the ability to grow feed—essential for maintaining livestock and producing high-quality dairy products.
“These challenges place significant stress on the farmers affected, so news that South Australia is willing to help relieve the load with these initiatives is certainly something to celebrate,” he said.
While appreciative of the support, Bennett called for long-term drought preparedness and resilience measures to address the recurring impacts of climate challenges on farming communities.
Breakdown of the Relief Package
The funding is set to provide targeted support to help farmers manage immediate challenges while building resilience for future drought conditions:
$5 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, offering rebates of up to 75% (capped at $5,000, excluding GST) for projects that enhance drought preparedness.
$2 million to assist charities with transportation costs for delivering donated fodder to help feed livestock.
$1 million for mental health and wellbeing initiatives through the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Family and Business Support Program.
$100,000 for the Connecting Communities Events Program, providing grants of up to $5,000 for social events that foster community support.
$4.4 million for family and business mentors and rural financial counsellors to offer free and independent assistance to farmers and connect them with relevant resources.
$5.5 million in contributions to the state and federal Future Drought Fund, focusing on farm business resilience planning, climate tools, and promoting resilient farming practices.
Toward a Sustainable Future
The package reflects growing recognition of the need for coordinated support to address both immediate and long-term effects of drought.
“We will continue to advocate for policies that provide stability and sustainability for dairy farmers in the face of ongoing climate challenges,” Bennett said.
The funding is expected to alleviate pressures on farmers while encouraging more robust strategies for drought preparedness and adaptation across South Australia’s dairy industry.
