Drought-affected Farmers to Receive First Grants

The First Round of Government Water Infrastructure Grants Have Starting Flowing to Pastoralists in South Australia's Drought-Stricken North

Earlier this year, the State Government committed $275,000 for water infrastructure and pest management, which was matched by the Commonwealth.

Andrew Clarke, from Allandale Station near Oodnadatta, will use his grant to upgrade and expand existing water systems.

He says that, as conditions get drier, it's certainly welcomed assistance.

"It just helps to spread the grazing pressure across the property," he said.

"You know, you've just got to keep moving forward and keep adding to your watering points as much as you can. It's a real chess game.

"Just like these rains we had early autumn, sometimes they grow feed but they don't necessarily run enough water to fill waterholes and dams and things."

Industry body LivestockSA was put in charge of distributing the funding.

Chair Richard Halliday says getting the money on the ground quickly was a priority.

Landholders nominate water projects and contribute start-up funds which are matched by the State Government.

But some pastoralists say they haven't been able to access the grants, because they can't afford to contribute money themselves.

Mr Clarke says pastoralists in the most severely affected regions could benefit from a more flexible grant program.

Source: ABC

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Taxonomy

• Drought
• Infrastructure
• Governance & Planning