Farmer feedback sought for future drought assistance
3 Feb 2021
A review of drought support for primary producers will recommence with a survey to gather farmer feedback on the most effective measures that helped them manage their businesses in the face of the recent drought.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General Kate Lorimer-Ward said the drought assistance evaluation project aimed to improve service delivery and planning for future drought events.
“Droughts are a part of the Australian landscape, so understanding how we can manage and prepare for droughts and support our rural community is essential in achieving stronger primary industries,” Ms Lorimer-Ward said.
“The NSW Government has been committed to assisting our farmers through the devastatingly dry period, investing more than $4 billion in drought and water infrastructure support.”
“This includes more than $1 billion for specific drought support measures through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority to help producers and communities manage the impacts of the drought.
“A rigorous evaluation of the support provided was always part of our process to ensure it was providing as much help as possible to the widest range of people.
Ms Lorimer-Ward said NSW DPI is managing an evaluation of drought relief measures on behalf of NSW Government.
“The aim is to identify, measure, analyse and assess the positive impact that the Drought Package has had on communities affected by drought so that we can use those learnings to inform future drought policy measures,” she said.
"The feedback we get from farmers and community members will be critical in this process to ensure people are getting the very best service possible from Government, and that Government investment is delivering value for money.”
The evaluation will focus on: outcomes delivered; the process; and an economic evaluation of two elements – the Farm Innovation Fund and the Emergency Drought Transport Subsidies.
More information on how landholders can provide their valuable feedback is available from www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au
Media contact: (02) 6391 3686
