Livestock SA welcomes SA Government Drought Support Package, but more likely to be needed 

Livestock SA has welcomed the South Australian Government’s $18 million investment to support farming communities grappling with one of the driest seasons on record.

Livestock SA Chair, Gillian Fennell said the $8.1 million in new funding recognised that livestock producers across many parts of the state were dealing with the cumulative impacts of a collapse in livestock prices through 2023 followed by prolonged dry conditions.

“We are pleased that the government has acknowledged the challenges in our industry at present and is providing some funding towards assisting producers, regional communities and additional health and wellbeing support.”

“We have advised the government that measures like the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants can help livestock businesses to become more resilient and the 75% rebate is an important feature of the grants as cash flow is particularly tight.”

“Details of the infrastructure grants are still pending but the $5,000 cap will be prohibitive for some livestock businesses, and this will need further consideration.”

“We accept that under the national drought agreement, direct fodder and freight subsidies are no longer available, but think the government’s decision to allocate funding towards assisting charities to deliver donated fodder to those most in need will prevent it going to producers in other states.”

“From the 60 plus ‘Beyond the Paddock’ BBQs we are coordinating funding for at the moment we know the importance of community connection and that larger grants are needed, so we fully support the $5,000 Connecting Communities Events Program.”

“Funding for mental health and wellbeing programs ensures our farming families and communities receive support to stay connected and strong."

“The package is a good start and we look forward to continuing to work with the government to provide advice about ongoing assistance as it may be needed.”

“We also look forward to hosting the Premier and the Minister in the regions to see the impacts on the ground,” Ms Fennell said.

For more information about drought support measures, visit pir.sa.gov.au/drought.

ENDS

Media Contact:

Hannah Trevilyan
Communications and Membership Manager
Livestock SA
08 8297 229