A new Drought Transport Fund announced on Monday by the NSW Government will help farmers manage livestock through dry conditions. The NSW Drought Transport Fund will provide up to $20,000 in low interest loans, with a two-year interest and repayment free period.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the fund would help eligible farmers pay freight costs for fodder, water, or to move stock to agistment.
Niall said these costs have provided significant challenges for a number of producers who are trying to manage their property during these difficult conditions.
“We know that more than a third of the state is struggling with drought or conditions approaching drought. My colleagues, including the Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen have expressed particular concern for the Hunter, Central Tablelands, Central West and in the Far West of the state.
“Primary production is the lifeblood of the communities in these regions and when farmers are struggling, the whole community feels the impact. This additional step in our drought strategy will allow farmers to better manage core breeding stock,” said Niall.
The NSW Drought Transport Fund will complement existing transport subsidies for the cost of transporting donated fodder within NSW and transporting stock off a property for animal welfare purposes.
These measures form part of the wider NSW Drought Strategy, which includes a rural resilience program, rural support workers and financial counselling, and the Farm Innovation Fund for on-farm drought preparedness work and capital improvement.
The Farm Innovation Fund has approved $54 million worth of low-interest loans this financial year, with almost $9 million worth of loans applied for in March alone, and more than $200 million since its inception in 2013.
More information on the NSW Drought Transport Fund and application details are available from www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.