Over 100 truckloads of hay for SA farmers affected by drought
Monday 27 January 2025 Emergencies and recovery
The delivery of more than 100 truckloads of donated hay to farming communities across South Australia, as a result of financial support from the Malinauskas Labor Government, has commenced this long weekend - assisting our primary producers through some of the driest conditions on record.
With hay prices continuing to soar and good quality fodder becoming harder to find, some of the country’s top-quality hay will be heading to South Australia to help local farmers. Trucks will traverse a total of 218,770kms, loaded with 3,630 bales of donated hay, valued at over an incredible $400,000, which will help over 130 farmers, their families, and their communities.
The convoy left early Saturday morning via the Calder Highway bound for Peterborough travelling via Sea Lake, Mildura, Renmark, Morgan and Burra to arrive at the Peterborough Rodeo Grounds.
On Sunday morning trucks headed in all directions to cover the massive expanse of the 11 Local Government Areas of Adelaide Plains, Ceduna, Elliston, Goyder, Mid Murray, Mount Remarkable, Murray Bridge, Northern Areas, Orroroo Carrieton, Peterborough and Wakefield.
Charitable organisations including Need for Feed, Rapid Relief Team and Rural Aid have been and are continuing to deliver thousands of bales of donated hay to hundreds of farmers and their communities in regions across the state, from the South East to the Mid-North, Murraylands, and all the way to the Eyre Peninsula.
The State Government’s $18 million drought support package also includes $5 million for the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme, which provides rebates of up to 75% (to a maximum of $5,000 excluding GST) to assist with eligible projects that manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness, with strong interest in the scheme.
The Connecting Communities Events Program has also received strong interest, where groups can apply for up to $5,000 to host events that foster social connections and provide support during these challenging times.
The first event was held at Jamestown last month hosted by the Jamestown APEX Club. Attended by 900 people, the ’24 Drought: Resilience at its Best’ event focused on strengthening community by fostering a supportive environment for mental health, wellbeing, and drought assistance.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has also supported Livestock SA and Grain Producers SA to host smaller events such as community barbeques to bring people together, reconnect and explore the assistance available.
The State Government has also allocated $1 million in funding for additional health and wellbeing support through the Rural Financial Counselling Service and the Family and Business (FaB) Support Program. FaB mentors and the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provide free, confidential and independent services that link people with the appropriate assistance.
Find more information on drought support or call the PIRSA Recovery Hotline on 1800 931 314.