More than $584 million to help drought-affected farmers


The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and the National Association for Loss and Grief are just two of the vital services that will receive a boost thanks to an additional $284 million in drought relief funding announced in the 2018 NSW Budget, bringing the total to more
than half a billion dollars.

 

Almost the entire state is now in drought, which is expected to continue during winter and possibly spring.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair visited Dubbo today
(June 13) to announce increased financial support, funding for mental health services and key infrastructure including Doppler weather stations
and streamlining kangaroo management.

“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,” 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.”

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.