SA government unveils $1 million support package for drought-hit farmers

Drought-stricken farmers in South Australia will receive extra deliveries of much-needed hay as part of a $1 million pledge from the state government.

But the state opposition says the money comes from an existing funding pool, and that more support is needed.

The announcement comes as many regions continue to experience severe drought conditions.

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The Maitland family, which has farmed in the Clare Valley for five generations, has experienced firsthand the severity of the recent dry spell. 

Jim Maitland is one of 3000 producers who have accessed infrastructure grants as part of the government's drought relief efforts. 

"We had received 50mm of rain total (between January and July this year), which is the driest six months since our records in 1887," he said.

He plans to utilise the grant to construct a water tank and improve drought resilience on his property.

"We are making our farmers in South Australia more drought resistant, not just now but into the future," Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

The $1 million plan is intended to assist eligible farmers with the cost of transporting hay.

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However, the opposition has questioned the source of the funding, highlighting that it is drawn from a pre-existing drought support package. 

"Last time I did my maths, there was a $73 million drought support package for our drought-affected farmers," opposition spokesman Tim Whetstone said. 

"Today, there is still a $73 million drought support package." 

The opposition is calling for the introduction of no-interest loans for affected producers "so that they can afford the fodder so that they can afford all the inputs into planting a crop, making sure that they can put diesel into their tractor".

While some regions have seen improved conditions, other areas continue to struggle. 

"We particularly think of the Mallee as an area that still continues to do it tough, particularly tough, so we're crossing our fingers that we see a bit more rain this week," Malinauskas said.

The government has indicated that further funding announcements are possible should the drought persist.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.