As the pressure to destock continues, the Fund will be extended to enable producers to collect and store genetics of their herd or flock, which will allow for a much quicker recovery when good times return.
Support for farmers and their families facing drought has been boosted by $284 million 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.
“We know the drought is hitting our farmers hard but we want to reassure communities that we are doing everything we can to make sure the right help is available at the right time,” 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.”
The NSW Government will also expand the criteria of the Fund to deliver $50,000 seven-year interest free loans to allow producers to bring in fodder and grain to sustain stock on hand, as well as install key water infrastructure.
As the pressure to destock continues, the Fund will be extended to enable producers to collect and store genetics of their herd or flock, which will allow for a much quicker recovery when good times return.
The Budget will also include more than $4 million to support communities facing natural disaster and drought including:
Support for the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, including continued funding for 13 statewide co-ordinators to link rural people to the help they need.
“We are determined to stand side by side with our famers which is why we are providing both funding for drought resilience through our Farm Innovation Fund and strong mental healthcare support to get people through this tough time,” Ms Berejiklian said.
In addition, Mr Barilaro said that more than $25 million has been allocated to construct and operate three new Doppler radar weather stations in the Central West and Far West – giving famers more accurate weather forecasting.
“These new radars will deliver fast, accurate and live weather updates to help our farmers make timely business decisions about when to sow, harvest crops or move stock, boosting productivity and saving money,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We know that Western NSW has been crying out for accurate radar information for many years and in particular, I would like to acknowledge and thank Orana Regional Organisation of Councils, NSW Farmers and the Country Women’s Association for their ongoing advocacy for this critical infrastructure.
“The radars will provide real-time weather coverage for 30 per cent of the State.”
Mr Blair said the drought package would also include a new kangaroo management strategy, which will seek to reduce kangaroo numbers in drought-hit areas.
“Under the strategy, we are removing the need for physical tags and the ‘shoot and let lie’ conditions, expanding the commercial harvest zone in South East NSW, enabling more shooters to operate under each licence, and helping to connect landholders to commercial harvesters,” Mr Blair said.
The new strategy will make it easier for landholders to meet the harvest quotas set by the Commonwealth. In 2017, NSW met less than 20 per cent of the quota, which was set to maintain the long-term kangaroo population.
Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries welcomed the additional support. “Conditions throughout the region have been very poor; dams are dry and pastures are greatly diminished,” Mr Humphries said.