The Department of Primary Industries Rural Assistance Authority (NSW Government) announced in a media release this week that they are adding $284 million to the drought relief package in the NSW Budget 2018, bringing the NSW Government’s drought relief package to well over half a billion dollars.
Almost all of NSW is now suffering from an extended dry period, which is expected to continue throughout the winter and potentially spring. This package should help to bring support for farmers and their families facing drought.
Some of the changes announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and the Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair include increased financial support, funding for mental health, key infrastructure (including Doppler weather stations) and streamlining kangaroo management.
Ms Berejiklian said “To date, the Farm Innovation Fund has delivered $220 million to more than 1300 farmers to help build on-farm infrastructure and prepare for and battle drought. Our farmers are continuing to tell us that these loans are one of the best measures available, which is why we have decided to double the funding available, taking the Fund’s total value to $500 million.”
This boost will hopefully bring relief to farmers affected by the drought and assist primary producers in identifying and addressing risks to their farming enterprise, improve permanent farm infrastructure and ensure long-term productivity and sustainable land use, aiding in meeting changes to seasonal conditions.
To find out more about the package, visit the DPI Rural Assistance Authority or for help with mental health and counselling, visit the Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health.
The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) is a state-wide organisation that is committed to improving the mental health, wellbeing and resilience of rural and remote residents. To show our support for this worthy cause, K-Line Ag will be donating $50 for every hay rake sold to end users, from July through to September 2018.
