Dear John,

Across Australia, around 40,000 families are affected by drought. 

This number is growing. As each month passes, the difficulties for farmers increase. 

Our Government is listening. We will step up when more can be done to help. 

Today we have announced additional support, including new two year interest free loans for farmers and small businesses that are reliant on agriculture. 

These loans will give breathing space for farmers who have a future, but who need help getting through this drought. 

We are injecting cash into drought affected rural communities with new funds for local roads, schools, early learning centres and community projects.

We have also reached agreement with the South Australian Government, to secure up to 100 gigalitres of extra water for the Southern Murray Darling basin to grow fodder. This will produce around 120,000 tonnes of feed for animals, while also supporting rural communities along the Murray.

These new initiatives build on other measures, which focus on: 

•    Helping those affected now. This includes payments of around $100,000 in just over four years, received by more than 12,700 farming families to date.

•    Supporting communities. This includes $1 million payments to 128 Councils for local projects and funding for charities, like St Vincent De Paul, the Salvation Army, and the Country Women’s Association.

•    Building a more drought resilient Australia. This includes 21 water infrastructure projects and establishing the $5 billion Future Drought Fund. 

For more information about how we’re helping drought affected farmers, click here.

The Government will continue to listen to Australians affected by drought.

Sincerely,