Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup

05/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2024 02:49

$8.6m support package for farmers and primary producers impacted by drought

Published on Monday, 13 May 2024 at 3:00:00 PM

The State Government has announced an $8.6m support packagefor farmers and primary producers impacted by drought.

Here's what it will help with:

  • Funding to help cover the costs of stockfeed, water, and transportation.
  • Investments will be made by the WA Government towards community water infrastructure.
  • Mental health and community wellbeing programs will be rolled out to support those affected.
  • Donations are being made to rural assistance charities.

Of this $8.6m, $2m will be for hardship grants(up to $5k for each eligible business) and $4m will be for interest-free loans(up to $25k for each eligible business).

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"My Government will always do what's right by farming communities across WA.

"We've expedited this package of support to provide assistance for those doing it tough in the current dry conditions.

"I'd like to thank the Dry Season Taskforce for their work to develop this program."

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"We know the current dry conditions mean rural communities across the State are struggling.

"We want to assure the community that our Government is listening to farmers and closely monitoring this situation.

"This significant $8.6 million support package for our primary producers will provide relief to those facing financial hardship and ensure that mental health and community wellbeing services are easily accessible across the regions."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"I hope today's funding announcement goes some way to giving farmers and regional communities some relief, as they face unseasonably low rainfall across the South West land division.

"It will take a whole-of-community effort to address these challenging seasonal conditions - including local, State and Federal Governments - and it's encouraging to see communities are already banding together to support those in need.

"This financial assistance to support immediate recovery efforts complements the State Government's investment - totalling more than $19 million - in long-term water security and climate resilience initiatives that help communities across regional WA prepare for and manage the impacts of more frequent dry seasons."

Applications for the above funding and grants are set to open in May. For more information, follow Hon. Roger Cook on Facebookor subscribe to the WA Government Media Releases.

The above information is sourced from a media release shared on 26 April 2024.

Resources for those affected:

We've compiled a list of resources for those who have been affected by the droughts:

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health matters. You can seek help at a resource below - many of them also offer 24 hour communication via call, text, or an online chat:

THE LIVESTOCK FEED

This is a supportive community for WA producers to connect, find and sell available feed to alleviate shortages and share information while navigating dry season challenges.

RURAL AID

Rural Aid (@ruralaid on Instagram) offers support for primary producers with finance, domestic water, fodder, mental health, and other various forms of assistance that you may need. You can also contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 634.

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