Farmers and rural communities who are struggling to survive a worsening drought are getting a multi-million dollar boost to help get them through the crisis.
A $55 million support package will help South Australian farmers and rural communities struggling to survive an escalating drought crisis that has wiped billions from the economy.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas declared his government “cannot make it rain, but we can take practical action to support our farmers”.
Farmers are desperate for a break in the weather to restore moisture to the soil, after the worst harvest in 15 years cut $2 billion from the state’s economy compared to last year’s “average” crop.
Mr Malinauskas acknowledged that since an 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 includes immediate financial relief for those doing it toughest, significant mental health supports and support for wider regional communities and businesses.
There is $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 help producers implement electronic identification for sheep and goats.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the drought had spread and become more severe in March, with seven regions in South Australia experiencing their lowest rainfall since February 2024.
Water carters are working at full capacity with waiting lists and there are emergency bulk water collection points for homes without water.
Adelaide’s ten reservoirs were at 38 per cent capacity in April, 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.
Livestock SA chief executive Travis Tobin said the package was a “significant step” and “welcome support”.
Grain Producers SA chair John Gladigau said it would work closely with the government and the Drought Advisory Group to ensure effective and timely delivery of the initiatives, “ensuring support reaches those who need it most”.
— AAP