The State Government will commit $275,000 for a drought assistance package for pastoralists in the State’s Far North.

Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has provided a grant to Livestock SA, which will deliver the package to pastoral business in the Far North who have experienced hardship as a result of poor seasonal conditions including low rainfall.

The package includes up to $150,000 for the installation of new water infrastructure, $100,000 for wild dog control, and $25,000 to support Livestock SA’s costs associated with delivering the package.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell is visiting the region this week to discuss drought issues with pastoralists, business operators and their families.

“There has been some sporadic rain in some areas of the Far North, however there has been no significant recovery from drought,” he said.

“This package will help improve the supply and spread of stock water, and will help control the increasing numbers of wild dogs in the Far North region.

“The result will be a more resilient landscape and better preparation for future droughts.”

Water infrastructure projects to be funded by the package are likely to include the replacement and upgrade of polypipe and solar pump systems, fencing of native vegetation, and cleaning water points.

The funding for wild dog control will be available for landholders that have a demonstrated commitment to the strategic management of wild dog impacts.

The package is on top of drought assistance measures announced in February, including:

 one-on-one drought management advice from PIRSA

 stock condition assessments by Biosecurity SA Animal Health officers

 special road access provided by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) for large livestock transport vehicles (subject to road conditions)

 increased financial counselling and case management support for pastoral businesses from Rural Business Support

 business plan reviews by Rural Business Support and Rural Solutions SA.

Minister Bignell said the package should also help leverage additional funding from the Australian Government’s Drought Assistance Program.