Minister Barr: Support package for ACT’s farmers
- Written by ACT Government
Released 14/08/2018
ACT farmers will receive financial support from the ACT Government as they struggle through dry conditions.
The ACT Farmers Support Package will provide freight subsidies for ACT farmers that are being forced to source expensive feed for their stock. This is in line with the support being offered in NSW.
The ACT is experiencing extended dry conditions similar to surrounding areas in NSW. The first six months of this year have seen 34% less rainfall and one degree warmer temperature than the long-term average. This follows last year which saw 21% less rainfall than the long-term average.
Minister Gentleman met with the ACT Rural Landholders’ Association last week and the Government has now brought forward a package that provides financial support, as well as a number of other measures the Government will continue to explore in the weeks ahead.
The ACT Government will put in place several assistance measures for eligible farmers:
- a 50% freight transport subsidy scheme based on the recently announced NSW model. This will provide a subsidy of up to $20,000 on transport of fodder and/or water to a property, as well as the movement of stock. The subsidy will be from July 2018 for a period of 12 months (based on receipt);
- new ACT Rural Resilience Grants (totalling up to $150,000) in 2018/19 that farmers can apply for to co-fund drought-related property management plans and on-ground works that minimise future dry condition impacts; and
- collation of an inventory of unleased Territory land that may be suitable for relief grazing, including examining required improvements such as fencing to make blocks suitable for agistment.
The ACT Government has worked extensively with farmers in recent years to build their resilience when dealing with dry conditions due to climate change. Grants, workshops and information provision have led to farmers making timely decisions to reduce stock and secure feed, and also to access Australian Government assistance, which is not contingent on drought declarations.
It is clear though that the current conditions require extra action. The ACT Government is confident these new measures will help our farmers to get through this difficult time and also further prepare for the future.
For more information on the support package, including application guidelines for farmers, visit www.environment.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | | Media Releases
