Drought-impacted farmers will now be able to receive expanded grant support to ensure they have access to the technology and expertise they need.
In a statement the Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes announced that changes to funding programs would acknowledge the ongoing challenges farmers are facing dealing with drought, bushfires and coronavirus.
“The maximum amount available for the On-Farm Drought Resilience Grant Program will increase from $5,000 to $10,000,” Ms Symes said.
“This means farmers can use up to $5,000 for farm business planning activities and $5,000 for drought infrastructure investments,” she said.
“The program now also allows applications for new equipment such as mobile phone booster technologies to improve access to the internet and online drought services, and items such as soil moisture probes.”
Ms Symes said farmers in drought-affected areas who were also impacted by the bushfires were able to reapply for the grant where their previously funded investment was destroyed or damaged.
“While recent rainfall across much of the State has been a promising sign, many farmers still face a long road to recovery from years of dry conditions,” she said.
“The expanded funding grants will provide targeted help to where it is most needed.”
She said the Farm Machinery Grant Program had also been extended to allow more farmers in the Millewa region access grants of up to $10,000.
