DROUGHT SUPPORT PACKAGE

$55.4 million over five years including $39.6 million in short-term support across 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The package builds upon the $18 million in initial assistance announced by the state government in November 2024, taking the total drought assistance available to $73.4 million.

The additional measures include:

• $17.3 million for future drought preparedness and resilience programs
• $13 million for grants to primary producers to implement infrastructure projects that assist in managing drought conditions, as part of the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate scheme
• $4.5 million for a subsidy on the cost of electronic identification tags for farmed sheep and goats, as part of stage 2 of the program
• $4 million for an additional contribution towards the freight costs of charitable organisations that are delivering donated fodder to primary producers
• $3.1 million for support towards the management of pests on rural properties, including deer, rabbits and kangaroos
• $2.5 million for essential, on-the-ground mental health resources and support for individuals and communities affected by the current drought
• $2.5 million towards the upgrades of standpipes in regional areas to support improved access to potable water for households not connected to mains water
• $2 million for the provision of active club grants up to $5 000 in regional areas for the upgrade of sporting and recreational facilities in drought affected sporting clubs and communities
• $2 million for rural business support relief grants of $1 500 to help cover essential costs such as council rates, utility bills, vehicle repairs and school costs
• $1.5 million for business support and counselling services to small businesses in drought affected towns and regions
• $1 million additional contribution to the Rural Financial Counselling Service to support drought affected primary producers
• $500 000 to make stock water available from Bundaleer and Beetaloo Reservoirs
• $400 000 to develop and encourage new regional events in drought affected areas through the Regional Event Fund
• $250 000 additional contribution to the Connecting Communities Events Grants program
• $250 000 to provide financial support for country students affected by drought to attend camps and excursions.

The package will also provide eligible primary producers with a 12 month rebate of the Emergency Services Levy and motor vehicle registration fees for up to three commercial vehicles. Primary producers will need to be in receipt of the Commonwealth Farm Household Allowance to be eligible.