The NSW Government today announced a further $310 million in emergency drought relief in recognition of the on-going drought conditions in regional NSW and to uphold a commitment to helping farmers make it out of the worst drought in living memory.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said renewing current support measures will provide drought affected communities across regional NSW with the certainty they need to make important stock and business decisions.
"I'm all too aware that some of our hardest hit communities feel like they have been forgotten due to the bushfires and COVID-19, and that rain in recent months may have left some people in the city with the impression that the drought is over," Mr Barilaro said.
"My message to farmers and regional communities still battling this drought is that you are not alone.
"That is why we are continuing financial relief for farmers in drought by waiving onerous fees and charges and expanding measures to turbo-charge recovery.
"This fight is not over and many farmers will be feeling the financial and emotional impact of this drought for years to come.
"We have seen good rainfall across the state in recent months but we need to make sure the dollars continue to flow to keep our farmers and regional communities going."
Extended support for drought affected comunities and farmers includes;
- $116 million to continue the Drought Transport subsidy
- $99 million to continue waiving of Local Land Services rates, bee site permits, Western Lands lease rent, wild dog fence rates and provide assistance for vehicle registration costs for eligible primary producers
- $28.5 million to continue existing water licence fee waivers for stock, domestic, general and high security water users
- Continuation of health and wellbeing programs, including the Farmgate Counsellors program, Aboriginal wellbeing services and Royal Flying Doctors Far West Drought Support programs.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the Drought Transport Subsidy would be extended, to help farmers reduce the cost of transporting fodder, stock, fertiliser, water and other farm inputs.
"We are reducing the cost of doing business to help farmers and their stock endure as we head towards recovery," Mr Marshall said.
"While the focus lately has rightly been on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastation of drought has not been forgotten and our farmers will continue to be supported by our government."
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said as a regionally based Minister she is acutely aware of the toll the drought, bushfires and COVID-19 has had on rural communities.
"Every community is unique and the challenges faced across the state can be very different, which is why continuing our diverse mental health programs is critical," Mrs Taylor said.
"We've had great success with measures like the Farmgate Counsellors program, and it is fantastic that this boost to drought assistance has a continued focus on mental health.
"As part of these extended programs, people will continue to receive the help and support they need to address significant health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, panic attacks, suicide prevention, trauma and grief."
Primary producers and small businesses already receiving support payments, subsidies, waivers and fee relief from the Emergency Drought Relief Package do not have to reapply.
This funding brings the NSW Government's total drought support and water security commitment to close to $4 billion.
For a full list of drought support measures, go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/droughthub and www.nsw.gov.au/drought-in-nsw.
