Wild dogs, mental health targeted in expanded SA drought funding program
The State Government is expanding its $21 million drought package to help more farmers, with more money set aside for mental health support, and to eradicate wild dogs.
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More money will flow towards mental health support, killing wild dogs and helping with bill payments, amid changes to the State Government’s $21 million drought package.
The Government will on Thursday announce it will spend an extra $2 million of its overall drought package on a mental health outreach support service, on top of $1.6 million already committed to family and business support mentors.
It will hire another full-time dog trapper – adding to the five already employed – and set extra money aside for baiting to address attacks on livestock in pastoral areas.
The Government is also introducing a $120 per animal bounty on wild dogs, to be paid to landowners in drought-affected areas.
Premier Steven Marshall said the changes followed feedback during drought forums in Cleve, Marree, Hawker and Orroroo last month.
“We have … expanded our $21 million Drought Support Program to make sure assistance is getting to those that need it most,” he said.
It will also be easier for landowners to access financial relief.
Previously, a 50 per cent pastoral lease rent rebate was available only to pastoralists receiving Farm Household Allowance, but it has been extended to those not claiming that assistance, and its $3500 limit has been removed.
Eligibility criteria has been eased for rebates towards emergency water infrastructure costs, to encourage investment in dams, fixing bores and installing desalinators.
Flinders Ranges Mayor Peter Slattery said some farmers had raised concerns about difficulties claiming financial assistance, after it was deemed they had received profits from selling livestock. However in many cases, this was forced upon them by the drought and they would struggle when it came time to restock their properties.
“(The changes) means that people who weren’t eligible for federal support can apply for the rebates,” Mr Slattery said.
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“Our councils up here have been pushing very hard for on-ground wellbeing support … and we’re encouraged to hear there’s some recognition and support for this as well.”
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone encouraged the state’s primary producers – including those suffering through three years of drought – to consider what help was available.
Meantime, new Government figures show the 2019-20 grain harvest is estimated at 6.2 million tonnes – up slightly on last season’s 5.8 million tonnes.