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  3. The State Government is investing $73 million to support farmers affected by drought in SA.

In line with the National Drought Agreement, Australian, state and territory governments do not make formal drought declarations.

It is agreed that drought, disaster and rural support should be provided based on need – providing a simpler, fairer and more proactive approach.

This means that drought no longer needs to be declared in a region for farmers to be eligible for assistance. Farmers can take action for themselves when they need it.

Drought support package

The State Government is investing $73 million to support farmers affected by drought in SA.

The package has been designed in direct consultation with primary producers, including a roundtable with farmers and key industry bodies.

New assistance measures in the package include:

  • A further $13 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness
  • An additional $4 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock
  • Immediate financial relief by providing rebates for Emergency Services Levy and commercial vehicle registration fees for primary producers receiving the Commonwealth’s Farm Household Allowance
  • $2.5 million for an immediate and comprehensive strategy to boost mental health and resilience in drought affected areas
  • $1 million for Rural Financial Counselling Support
  • $3.5 million in additional supports for rural small businesses
  • $3.1 million to assist with culling pests and manage kangaroo populations
  • $4.5 million to support producers with the implementation of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats
  • $1.4 million to co-invest with councils in the upgrade of regional standpipes
  • $1.1 million to support the provision of standpipes for critical water needs in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu
  • $500,000 to make bulk water available from Bundaleer and Beetaloo Reservoirs
  • $2 million to assist sport and recreation clubs in drought affected areas through the Active Club Program
  • $400,000 to develop and encourage new regional events in drought affected areas through the Regional Event Fund
  • $250,000 to provide financial support for country students affected by drought to attend camps and excursions
  • A further $250,000 for grants of up to $5,000 for the Connecting Communities Events Program, for groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support;
  • $17.4 million for Future Drought Fund Preparedness and Resilience programs.

These measures build upon the $18 million in support measures outlined in November 2024, which included an initial round of On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, donated fodder transport assistance, health and wellbeing support, grants for the Connecting Communities Events Program, mentoring and counselling.

The support package includes a range of measures including grants for on-farm drought resilience infrastructure, mental health and community support, and funding to enable donated fodder to reach more communities.

The package has been informed by drought round tables conducted across the state, and the SA Drought Advisory Group which includes representation from key primary industries as well as state, federal and local government.

For more information, see Drought.