$7.9m boost for NSW dairy industry

The Dairy Sector Recovery Strategy is set to help the dairy industry recuperate and build long-term resilience after the February–March flooding event earlier this year.

Funding provided from the joint Commonwealth and NSW government-funded Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (Sector Recovery and Resilience Grants), as part of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, together with $1.6 million from industry co-contributions, will help the sector get back on its feet.

The funding will deliver 12 projects across three working packages focusing on:

• Better response and short-term recovery
• Better preparedness, lower risk, and improved resilience
• Supporting industry development

Minister for Emergency Management, senator Murray Watt, said the government is providing relief through this support package under stream 2 of the jointly funded Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Package.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said farmers put more than $13 billion into the economy every year and were some of the hardest hit by the floods.

“Dairy farmers are among the worst hit by this year’s floods and this funding will help ensure our farmers get back on their feet sooner and are better prepared for the next disaster, while continuing to provide us with the best milk and dairy products in the world,” he said.

“This funding builds on the more than $202 million that has gone out the door to help flood-affected farmers across all sectors in the past 12 months alone, including the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant for primary producers, the $25,000 Rural Landholder Grants, and the $100,000 Critical Producer Grants.”

Dairy NSW regional manager, Paul van Wel, said the Dairy NSW-led program will address labour availability for NSW dairy farmers, which continues to be a challenge faced by the entire Australian agricultural sector.

The 12 dairy projects were developed by NSW DPI in consultation with dairy organisations to ensure ongoing support to dairy farms impacted by the floods earlier this year.

In addition to the Department of Primary Industries and Dairy NSW, other organisations involved include Dairy Australia, NSW Farmers Association, Scibus and The University of Sydney, with the NSW SES, NSW Rural Assistance Authority, and Local Land Services to be actively involved in their delivery.  

For more information about the Dairy Strategy for Sector Recovery Program, visit Sector Recovery and Resilience Grant.