The state government has announced a $55 million package of comprehensive assistance to support drought affected farmers and communities across South Australia.

The package builds on $18 million initial assistance announced in November 2024 and includes $1.1 million to support the provision of standpipes for critical water needs in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu.

It has been designed in direct consultation with primary producers, including a roundtable with farmers and key industry bodies hosted by the Premier last week.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says the drought has not abated since the first drought relief package in November. In fact, things have got worse.

“We cannot make it rain. But we can take practical action to support our farmers and help prepare them for the next drought.

Most of South Australia is experiencing drought conditions, including some regions with their lowest rainfall on record.

Even if the drought were to break, its impacts will continue for many months or years.

New assistance measures in the package include:

• $13 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness.
• $4 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock.
•  Rebates for Emergency Services Levy and commercial vehicle registration fees for primary producers receiving the Commonwealth’s Farm Household Allowance.
• $2.5 million for a strategy to boost mental health and resilience in drought affected areas.
• $1 million for Rural Financial Counselling Support.
• $3.5 million for support for Rural Small Businesses.
• $3.1 million to assist with culling pests and manage kangaroo populations.
• $4.5 million to support producers with the implementation of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats.
• $1.4 million to co-invest with councils in the upgrade of regional standpipes.
• $2 million to assist sport and recreation clubs in drought affected areas through the Active Club Program.
• $400,000 to develop and encourage new regional events in drought affected areas through the Regional Event Fund.
• $250,000 to provide financial support for country students affected by drought to attend camps and excursions.
• $250,000 for grants of up to $5,000 for the ‘Connecting Communities Events Program’, for groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support.
• $17.4 million for Future Drought Fund Preparedness and Resilience programs.

Chair of Primary Producers SA Simon Maddocks says South Australia's $18.5 billion primary industries and agribusiness sector is a vital engine of economic growth and a cornerstone of the state’s prosperity. 

“These targeted measures will deliver much-needed, comprehensive support to farming families and rural communities, helping to ease the economic and social pressures caused by the prolonged drought affecting much of the state.”

For more information on drought support visit the website.