Drought Assistance

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:42): Supplementary: how much of the $73 million package that the minister talks about has hit the ground?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:42): There have been many thousands of successful applicants for the On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme support grants. Members may recall that the initial package enabled grants with only a 25 per cent co-contribution from farmers and a maximum amount of $5,000. The second part of the drought package enabled that to be lifted to $20,000 with a 50 per cent co-contribution. This has been a very successful part of the drought support package.

Other funding has gone to Rural Business Support, to Family and Business Mentors, to the Connecting Communities programs. Many farmers, and also local community members, have attended the events through the Connecting Communities grants. There are so many different aspects of the support package across many different departments. I would encourage farmers to reach out—as well as local communities—and see what sort of assistance is available.