Unpacking the $55m drought relief package for South Australian farmers

After parts of South Australia experienced their driest year on record in 2024, the tough conditions have continued across much of the state’s agricultural areas through the start of 2025. In response, the South Australian Government have announced a $55 million assistance package, in addition to $18 million of assistance announced back in November 2024.

The driest conditions since the Millenium Drought

With Adelaide’s reservoirs at their lowest levels in more than two decades, farmers across South Australia have endured extremely dry conditions for months. The crop losses, dry dams and impact on livestock are taking their toll as farmers battle through and increasingly rely on water carting to keep their operations running.

What drought relief measures were announced?

Last week, the South Australian Government announced an additional assistance package of $55 million, that includes a raft of measures in a bid to assist those hit hardest by the drought. The package is headlined by:

• A further $13 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness, in addition to the $5 million already announced last year;
• An additional $4 million, on top of the $2 million announced previously, to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock;
• $3.5 million in additional supports for Rural Small Businesses;
• $1.4 million to co-invest with councils in the upgrade of regional standpipes, plus $1.1 million to support the provision of standpipes for critical water needs in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu; and
• $500,000 to make bulk water available from Bundaleer and/or Beetaloo Reservoirs;

For Livestock SA CEO, Travis Tobin, the measures are a crucial step in supporting primary producers across the state. In response to the measures, Tobin reflects “From water and other critical infrastructure, electronic sheep identification, kangaroo measures, rebates to reduce the cost of doing business in the short term and resilience planning to help producers longer term – it is welcome support for our industry as it continues to supply quality red meat and wool to South Australian’s and the world.”

For SA Premier, Peter Malinauskas, the sweeping relief measures are a direct response to the challenging conditions being experienced right now, but also those expected for the future.  “We cannot make it rain. But we can take practical action to support our farmers and help prepare them for the next drought.” Said Malinauskas of the additional measures announced.

What do these drought relief measures mean for farmers

One of the most significant developments from this latest announcement, is the move to oversee the rollout of these measures directly from the Department of Premiere and Cabinet. With the immediate need for relief, the department will lead an effort to expedite the processing of applications, assuring those affected that they will be processed within no more than 30 days.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has established a drought support page on their website. The page covers key elements of the relief package like the On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme and Donated Fodder Transport Scheme, with more details about eligibility and how to apply. PIRSA note that the page will be updated with more support resources as they’re published.