A long-awaited state government assistance package for drought-stricken Upper South East farmers was announced this week, but many are hoping for more.
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On Tuesday Agriculture Minister Leon Bignell delivered on a promise to help farmers, suffering through their driest period on record, after attending a drought forum in Naracoorte last month.
“It is not the state government’s first response and it won’t be the last. For some months we have been working with farmers, industry groups and the community,” he said.
![DROUGHT RELIEF: Penny Schulz, Field, says the state government's drought package will help struggling farmers but is hoping for more assistance. DROUGHT RELIEF: Penny Schulz, Field, says the state government's drought package will help struggling farmers but is hoping for more assistance.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/38Deqn27HisdktPPRtKmxju/37cb4492-9932-4aa0-8c24-bd56f052ac22.jpg/r181_362_4183_2563_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The cost of the package is unclear but it includes the appointment of PIRSA’s Limestone Coast regional coordinator Peta Crewe as the regional drought coordinator, farm business specialist advice support from expert PIRSA consultants, and support to young farmer networks in the area. There has also been a series of forums in the area and mental health services have increased.
But federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin has been quick to respond called on the state government to provide some “tangible financial support” for drought stricken farmers.
“Reading through Mr Bignell’s announcement it’s not clear to me what the state government are offering by way of additional funding,” Mr Pasin said.
“While the appointment of another drought coordinator to assist in the support already being offered by the federal government is welcomed, our farmers need more than just information.”
He has raised with Mr Bignell the possibility of looking into providing a full rebate on the Emergency Services Levy and Natural Resources Levy to affected farmers receiving the Farm Household Allowance.
He also wants the state government to provide a 50 per cent rate rebate on these levies to drought-affected farmers eligible for Drought Concessional Loans.
Rural Business Support chief executive officer Brett Smith says the state government’s additional funding will assist them to fund a second financial counsellor based in the South East well into the second half of 2016. The position, presently largely funded by the federal government, was only assured until the end of March.
“The impact of what has happened for the second year in a row and the financial hardship will be ongoing so this helps us make sure we have longer term resourcing in the area,” he said.
In the past few months demand has increased for their Rural Financial Counselling services and Mr Smith expects it to grow further in the first quarter of 2016.
“Now that we have come to the end of the season people will be reassessing their financial position and where they are at from a cash flow perspective. They will be having discussions with their banks and those who are in a position where they are under financial stress will be looking for help,” Mr Smith said.
Livestock SA board member Penny Schulz welcomes Mr Bignell's announcement but hopes further support will be forthcoming.
The Field based farmer says details of the drought relief package including accessing PIRSA and Rural Solutions SA technical staff at no cost, and a drought coordinator will make a difference.
But she says the federal government’s Drought Concessional Loans “are not an option for many”. Therefore it is crucial other financial support is available.
Livestock SA will continue to lobby the state government on other solutions including relief from escalating Natural Resource Management and Emergency Services levies, and SA Water bills until the drought breaks.
“Farmers don’t want a hand out but they do need a hand up,” she said.
“In past droughts we have freight subsidies which have just distorted the market. If we could lessen the costs to farming businesses through rebates or remissions on these levies it would help.”