Strong winds on Monday brought some rain to parts of the Murray-Mallee in SA, where many crops are yet to germinate, and fodder supplies are running low. Photo: Face the Wind Photography/Peter Blacket
THE Federal Government has today announced $36 million to help producers prepare and respond to drought through a four-year extension of the Future Drought Fund Communities Program.
The move is being announced by Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins on her visit to drought-hit South Australia this week.
“The Albanese Labor Government understands that so many South Australian farmers are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, which is why I have made this visit a priority,” Ms Collins said in a statement.
“Our government has been working hand in hand with the South Australian Government to ensure that farmers get the support they need.
“We know drought doesn’t just impact farmers – it can flow out to the rest of the community, with small businesses, local groups and not-for-profits all feeling the strain.”
The Federal Government is also providing an extra $800,000 to Rural Financial Counselling Service providers in SA and Victoria.
“Building drought resilience is critical, but when conditions get really tough it’s important that we can provide support.
“We’ve seen increased demand for our South Australian and Victorian RFCS providers, and I’m really pleased that we can provide this extra support to boost capacity.”
The FDFCP aims to improve social outcomes, build leadership, fund community projects and help communities find better ways to work together.
The programs will be delivered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.
Funds come from the FDF, set up in 2019 with an initial Federal Government investment of $3.9 billion.
The earnings from this are reinvested, and the FDF is expected to grow to $5B by 2028-29; each year, $100M is made available for FDF grants and programs.
The Federal Government has advised that around 870 South Australians are currently receiving the Farm Household Allowance through Services Australia, and 343 low-interest Regional Investment Corporations loans totalling more than $329M are being accessed by South Australians.
Through around 6149 accounts, the aggregated value of Farm Management Deposit accounts held by producers in SA totals more than $942M.
“The government is supporting farmers – from practical assistance like seeking a concessional loan from the Regional Investment Corporation to accessing the Farm Household Allowance for those hardest hit,” Ms Collins said.
“Farmers can also access free and independent financial counselling through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
“This is a vital service that can help improve the financial well-being of farm businesses which is why I’m proud to be announcing more funding for the service on my visit to South Australia.”
NFF welcomes Minister’s visit to drought-hit South Australia
NFF President David Jochinke said the visit today and tomorrow provided an opportunity for the Minister to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders, including the NFF’s member Primary Producers SA (PPSA), about the worsening conditions and the urgent need for coordinated support.
“We appreciate Minister Collins taking the time to meet with those on the front lines of this drought,” Mr Jochinke said.
“This visit sends a strong message to farmers that their voices are being heard in Canberra.”
“Each week, the situation worsens. April rainfall was below average across much of the country, with parts of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia recording their driest 14-month period on record,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Farmers in New South Wales are also doing it tough, with the latest figures showing 23 per cent of the state now drought-affected.”
The NFF welcomed today’s announcement of an additional $800,000 in funding for Rural Financial Counselling Service providers in South Australia and Victoria – a measure the NFF has advocated for.
The NFF also notes the Minister’s comments regarding the $36 million extension of funding for the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Communities Program, as outlined in last year’s FDF Investment Strategy. The sector welcomed the extended FDF funding, but implores the Government to work closely with industry, both nationally and at state level, to ensure this funding effectively supports genuine sector resilience and preparedness efforts.
The NFF continues to call for a comprehensive drought response, including:
- The Prime Minister to tour drought-affected regions.
- Extending the Regional Investment Corporation’s loan capacity past 30 June 2026.
- Respond to the independent review of the Regional Investment Corporation.
- Hold the 2025 National Drought Forum in a drought-affected region in southern Australia.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the Minister to ensure farmers and regional communities get the support they need, both now and into the future,” Mr Jochinke said.
Sources: Federal Government, NFF
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