Advertisement

Farmers share in $5bn future drought fund

From 2020, about $100 million per year will be available with payments starting from July that year.

From 2020, about $100 million per year will be available with payments starting from July that year. Photo: Marty McCarthy

A $5 billion fund to guard Australian farmers against future droughts will be at the heart of the government’s plan to tackle barren conditions over the next decade.

The Future Drought Fund will help primary producers, non-government organisations and communities prepare for and respond to the impact of drought.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the fund, which will be underpinned by an initial $3.9 billion injection before growing to $5 billion in 2028, ahead of Friday’s national drought summit in Canberra.

Mr Morrison said the step comes after farmers across Australia urged the coalition to prepare for the future.

“This has been one of the key messages we’ve had as we’ve gone around the country with Major-General Stephen Day who has been our coordinator-general on drought, and that is what we need to invest and build resilience for the future,” he told the Seven Network on Friday.

“It really is about putting money away for a non-rainy day.”

The money will be managed by the existing Future Fund board of guardians, who recently reported a 9.3 per cent return and a $145.8 billion balance in funds for 2017/18.

From 2020, about $100 million per year will be available with payments starting from July that year.

The funds will be used to provide community services, research and assist in the adoption of technology.

It will also pay for advice and infrastructure to support long-term sustainability when drought strikes.

Political and agricultural industry leaders will discuss the criteria for projects captured by the fund at Friday’s summit, sparked by the crippling drought sweeping eastern Australia.

National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson said while government support for the current drought was important, farmers would be better served by a holistic plan for dry times.

“I believe it is a well accepted view, from the prime minister down, that we can’t afford to continue to be reactive in responding to drought,” Ms Simson said.

The NFF also wants a new agreement between commonwealth and state governments to provide a national approach to drought preparation, response and recovery.

The Council of Australian Governments is set to consider a new agreement by the end of the year, underpinning a national drought strategy.

Mr Morrison on Thursday announced a $15 million grant program for regional community groups, as part of $1.8 billion in assistance.

-AAP

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.