AGRIBUSINESS

$185 million provided for flood-affected farmers

MORE assistance is on the way for farmers in flood-affected parts of New South Wales, with the state and federal governments announcing $185 million in funding to help primary producers, fishers and land managers.

Staff writer
 The NSW and federal government have committed $185 million to flood recovery in NSW. Image courtesy NSW SES.

The NSW and federal government have committed $185 million to flood recovery in NSW. Image courtesy NSW SES.

Minister for Agriculture, Dugald Saunders, said the funding will provide New South Wales producers with a much-needed boost to the recovery process and will play a crucial role in protecting supply chains.

"Farmers in NSW have been significantly impacted by these devastating floods, and now that waters have subsided and we're seeing the full extent of the damage, we know there is a very long road ahead," Minister Saunders said.

"Not only will this package support our primary producers in the immediate recovery phase, it will support them into the future to ensure they're able to get back on their feet as quickly as possible."

The funding is part of the broader $742 million package announced by the New South Wales and Commonwealth governments, and includes:

  • $50 million for Primary Industry Recovery and Resilience Grants, which provide targeted funding for medium to longer-term projects that support supply chain efficiencies and recovery and rebuilding efforts; and
  • $100 million for Critical Producer Grants, which provide rapid support for significantly impacted primary producers;
  • $35 million for Rural Landholder Grants of up to $25,000 for impacted landholders, who are not eligible under existing support mechanisms.

"We know how devastating these floods have been for our primary producers, who are not just dealing with the significant damage to their businesses, but also to their homes and livelihoods," the Minister said.

"So far, the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) has received 860 applications and approved more than $12 million in support."

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said the scale of the flooding in many communities across New South Wales is unprecedented.

For more information on available support, visit the RAA website. Primary producers are encouraged not to self-assess and should consult with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service or contact RAA by calling 1800 678 593.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

editions

Research Report: Sheds

Sheds play a vital role in farming, offering shelter and protection for people, machinery, livestock and valuable inputs like chemicals and fertiliser.

editions

Research Report: Harvest Weed Seed Mills

The Report includes a round up of commercially-available batching plants as well as farmer-made approaches.

editions

Research Report: Agritechnica 2023

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli went to Agritechnica, Germany. This report covers the key award winners from the event and some of the latest autonomous platforms displayed.

editions

Research Report: Fronting Up

This Research Report looks at harvester fronts including research and expertise from Kondinin Group’s Ben White, with input from harvesting specialists Brett Asphar, Kassie Van Der Westhuizen, Murray Skayman and Martin Reichelt.