NSW Government unveils $300m drought package

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Image credit: NSW Government website

The Government of New South Wales has announced a $300 million drought package for primary producers “to become more resilient and better prepared for droughts”.

Image credit: NSW Government website
Image credit: NSW Government website

According to the official news release, aside from the extension of the Farm Innovation Fund and short term emergency support for primary producers in the midst of drought, the package also includes:

  • $45 million over 5 years in scholarships for farmers to undertake vocational training and farm business planning to prepare for future droughts.
  • $5 million over 5 years to provide transport assistance for animal welfare and donated fodder within NSW.
  • $2.5 million to work with the Bureau of Meteorology to develop an enhanced network of weather stations across NSW.
  • Work with the Commonwealth Government and farming communities to develop a commercial multi-peril insurance product for the cropping sector.
  • Ongoing investment in research and development through the Department of Primary Industries.

“Our policy provides short term assistance for those in need, but also puts in place a long-term, fully-funded strategy to enable primary producers to become more resilient and productive, which will lead to greater output from our regional economies,” said Premier Mike Baird in Tamworth where he launched the package.

“We have been listening to our regional communities and are delivering the vital support they need to survive drought, including a further $366 million under our Water Security for Regions program,” said Deputy Premier Troy Grant.

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