$355m drought support package

Jun 16, 2019

The NSW Government has announced a $355 million emergency drought support package.

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Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the upcoming State Budget would include $355 million to extend emergency drought support for farmers and funding to fast track investment in regional infrastructure.

The funding brings the NSW Government’s investment in drought support to more than $1.8 billion.

Ms Berejiklian said the package will fund many critical town water projects as well as other shovel-ready infrastructure projects that will stimulate local economies.

‘‘The impact of this drought has spread quickly off farm and is now being felt by businesses and households in towns and cities across regional NSW,’’ Ms Berejiklian said.

‘‘When farmers can’t contract tradies and other workers, there is a flow on effect felt throughout local businesses such as cafes and local stores. This funding package will support these rural communities in their time of need.’’

Examples of shovel ready projects that could be funded by the stimulus package include regional airport upgrades, activation of industrial lands and CBD revitalisation projects.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government was continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers and their communities battling the drought.

‘‘The lack of rain on farm is having a devastating flow on effect in regional businesses,’’ he said.

‘‘Every dollar spent by farmers at their local store helps keep someone employed in that business and a family in town. We recognise that in order to keep businesses open and jobs in town, the government needs to fast track our investment in local infrastructure.’’

The package will include:

●Up to $120 million to fast track identified major infrastructure projects;

●$30 million on new groundwater supply for Dubbo;

●$8.2 million construction of second water storage at Nyngan

●$2.2 million to augment bore water supply at Coonabarabran;

●$2 million for Albert Priest Channel critical maintenance (Nyngan and Cobar); and

●$1.97 million towards the Coolamon Industrial Estate development.

An additional $185 million in Budget funding will go towards on-farm drought support measures, including:

●$70 million for transport subsidies (stock, fodder and water);

●$50 million to waive Local Land Services rates;

●$30 million to waive fixed charges for NSW Water Licences;

●$15 million for emergency water carting; and