Emergency Drought Relief Package Announced

Today the NSW Government announced a further $500 million Emergency Drought Relief package to help our farmers during this very tough time, taking the NSW Liberals & Nationals total drought support to more than $1 billion.

The three major elements of the $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package are:

1. Approximately $190 million for Drought Transport Subsidies

2. Approximately $100 million for cutting the cost of farming fees and charges by                     

a. waiving Local Land Services rates, waiving fixed water charges in rural and                         regional areas                                                                                                                      b. waiving class one agricultural vehicle registration costs, among other initiatives, and

3. $150 million to bolster the Farm Innovation Fund (FIF) infrastructure program;

The package also includes funding for:

1. Counselling and mental health;

2. Critical services in regional communities including transporting water and drought related road upgrades and repairs;

3. Animal welfare and stock disposal.

Today’s announcement comes on the back of pre-existing drought support the NSW Government already has in place including:

1. Drought Assistance Fund

2. Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy                                                                                     3. Farm Innovation Fund

To access this, please visit the website below

Kind regards,

The Hon. Melinda Pavey MP

Member for Oxley