The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) has welcomed the announcement by the State Government that it will make up to $900,000 in grant funding available to support on-farm water supplies in the Shire of Kent.
Persistent drought conditions in the Shire have forced the Government’s hand and the funds will assist farmers with the costs of farm supply water audits, emergency water supply planning and on-farm water supply infrastructure.
WAFarmers Chief Executive Officer, Andy McMillan, encouraged farmers to take up the offer which will go some way towards drought proofing their properties.
“In a time when the future of drought assistance is uncertain, this funding will help to ease the burden farmers in the Shire of Kent are carrying,” Mr McMillan said.
Earlier this year, the Standing Council on Primary Industries (SCOPI) confirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to their preferred model of drought support, away from the existing program of Exceptional Circumstances (EC).
WAFarmers’ long-held policy position was that the EC declaration process should not be phased out until the timing, structure and content of the alternative financial and continuous learning programs are agreed to by industry.
WAFarmers calls on the State and Federal Governments to work together to finalise a drought assistance program as soon as possible.