WESTERN Australian farmers facing financial hardship will be eligible to apply for up to $5000 in funding and $25,000 in interest-free loans next month, thanks to the State Government. 

The WA Government announced an $8.6 million package last week, which aims to support agricultural industries and rural communities impacted by the current drought conditions.

The package includes two million dollars in hardship grants and four million dollars in interest-free loans for farmers impacted by drought, plus $1.5 million for community water infrastructure, $875,000 to support mental health and community wellbeing programs, and $225,000 in donations for rural assistance charities. 

The government said primary producers can apply for $5000 in funding and $25,000 in interest-free loans to help cover the costs of stockfeed, water and transportation. Funds can also be used to establish feed silos, water tanks and improved irrigation systems or any other infrastructure that supports drought resilience. Loans are repayable over five years and no repayments are required for the first two years.

EXTENDING LIVE SHEEP EXPORT PERIOD

The funding package was developed based on the work by WA's Dry Season Taskforce, which is made up of agricultural industry leaders and aims to identify ways Government can provide drought relief. 

The Taskforce also identified WA sheep producers have excess stock in the system and said extending this year's live export trade period would allow a significant number to be exported. 

In response, WA agricultural minister, Jackie Jarvis, has written to Federal agricultural minister, Murray Watt, seeking an extension of ten days from June 14 until June 24. This is subject to favourable weather conditions in the Northern Hemisphere and all usual animal welfare considerations.

SUPPORT FOR WA'S RURAL COMMUNITIES

As part of the funding package, the WA Government will provide $1.5 million to extend its Community Water Supplies Partnership Program to more regional communities, with grants to establish or improve their non-potable water supplies. Local government and community groups can apply for up to $100,000, on a co-contribution basis, for each off-farm community water supply project. The Government said water security can be boosted through new water tanks and infrastructure for emergency farm and firefighting community water supplies, and public amenity projects in regional towns.

Mental health and community wellbeing programs, The Blue Tree Project and Grower Group Alliance, will also each receive a $250,000 boost as part of the package, while Regional Men's Health will receive $175,000. A donation of $150,000 will be made to Farmers Across Borders and $75,000 will be provided to Rural Aid, to assist the charities with their drought-affect farmers across WA, while $200,000 has will be provided to Rural West for the extension of its farm financial counselling services. 

Jarvis said the support package will provide relief to those facing financial hardship, and ensure that mental health and community wellbeing services are easily accessible across the regions.