07/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/05/2024 00:43
The Albanese Labor Government will invest a record $519.1 million in Future Drought Fund programs to help farmers and regional communities prepare for the next drought and build climate resilience.
The previous Fund under the Morrison Government did not acknowledge climate change as a driver of longer and more severe droughts. Today we have fixed this.
Labor has restructured the Fund and its objectives to get better results for farming families and communities and will provide record funding for it in next week's Budget.
Farmers are on the frontline of climate change and the Albanese Government has listened to what they need.
This Fund will provide:
The programs will start to become available from 1 July 2024.
Communities can find out more by reaching out to the Department of Agriculture online or by phone.
Today's announcement is in response to the recent Productivity Commission review, last year's National Drought Forum, and extensive consultation with stakeholders.
Improving the sustainability of the agricultural sector is a key priority for the sector and the Albanese Government and this investment today responds to the increasing risk climate change is posing to rural and regional communities.
Examples of programs included in the Fund:
"It's vital that we support Australian farmers and producers to be prepared for more severe weather impacts.
"That is why we're investing hundreds of millions more in the agricultural sector and regional communities to plan and prepare for drought through the Future Drought Fund.
"By doing the work now our rural and regional communities are not just reacting to events as they unfold, but will have considered plans to make them more resilient to climate change."
"Every morning when farmers around the country wake up, put their boots on and go to work, they are one day closer to the next drought.
"We are already seeing very dry conditions in Western Australia and some parts of Tasmania.
"Time is of the essence when it comes to planning for drought, that's why we're investing heavily now in a new and improved Future Drought Fund.
"We're helping farmers across the country develop business plans to manage diversification in a changing climate, we're helping regional communities manage drought and other climate risks, and helping individuals get leadership training and mentoring.
"I've seen firsthand the great work under the FDF, like trialling new, drought-resistant livestock feed and connecting farmers with the latest scientific advice on reducing drought impacts.
"Our commitment of nearly $520 million from the FDF supports farmers and farming communities to take steps ahead of time.
"This not only empowers farmers and communities but makes them more self-reliant when drought hits."