IN a recent edition of this publication I wrote that a drought is not over until the financial pressures caused by it have subsided.
That statement remains true notwithstanding last year’s excellent results.
What is also true is that drought support must be calibrated to ensure individual farming enterprises emerge from drought more resilient and better prepared for the next dry period.
Two such mechanisms with the potential to improve the resilience of Riverland, Murraylands and Mallee farming operations have recently been announced and I was hoping to share the details of those with you.
The extension of the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme and the establishment of a Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs at Loxton.
The On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme aims to assist farmers in drought impacted areas with the construction and repair of much needed on farm water infrastructure.
We have recognised the importance and popularity of this scheme and extended its operation by 12 months.
By doubling the federal government’s commitment to the scheme, the federal government is ensuring more farmers are able to take advantage of the subsidy on offer.
These extended rebates will empower farmers to take proactive steps toward improving the resilience of their properties in the face of drought.
This program has made a real difference for thousands of Australian farmers and I’ve seen first-hand how producers have been able to invest in additional infrastructure including bores, dams and reticulation networks.
This extension for a further 12 months (together with the additional funding) means that if you missed this program the first time round you’ve been given a second chance.
I encourage farmers to check their eligibility and take advantage of this opportunity.
The second measure involves a significant Federal Government investment in drought adaption research in the Riverland, Murraylands and Mallee.
Research plays a critical role in assisting farmers and agricultural communities to be better prepared, which is why setting up a Drought Hub is an important step in helping our farmers be as prepared as possible for future dry conditions.
Loxton has been selected as a key node and centre of regional innovation excellence to service the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.
This is a partnership between the Federal Government, the University of Adelaide and local industry.
The Hub will link industry sectors from grains and livestock, to horticulture and viticulture, to cutting edge research and innovation across the Riverland, Murraylands and Mallee.
Importantly the Hub’s brief includes a heavy emphasis on extension and adaption in local conditions, providing meaningful dividends for local farmers.
The important message is, supporting drought affected communities continues because after all one century doesn’t make a summer.