Just 14pc left in popular $250m drought innovation fund, no word on top-up

The five-year fund – announced in early 2015 – provides farmers in NSW with low-interest loans to address risks and improve infrastructure, be it water or bore systems, or silos, to cope with climate-induced seasonal changes. 

Its popularity is not in question, with $216m across 1298 loans approved in three years – including $67m for 366 loans this financial year. 

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Mr Blair said current drought conditions have seen demand for the fund jump from an average $1m a week to $3m a week. 

In parliament on Thursday Labor ag spokesman Mick Veitch wanted to know if funding would be replenished when the final $34m runs out, which on current uptake would be well before its 2020 expiry.

“(It) should have been topped up weeks ago,” Mr Veitch said. “We can’t do much about the lack of rain right now - but what we can do is help farmers prepare for future dry spells.”

Mr Blair thanked Mr Veitch for highlighting the program “had been hitting the mark”– saying it was a change from 2015 when the then-Labor spokesman called the fund “an act of bastardry”.

Incidentally that MP was Steve Whan – who is now the chief executive of NSW Irrigators and, as Mr Veitch chipped in, “one of Mr Blair’s great supporters”.  

But Mr Blair was not drawn on whether more money would be poured into the fund, only that government would listen to farmers and communities to make sure the services in place “are meeting the current demands of the dry conditions”.

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“We are going to stand by our farmers through this period. We are going to make decisions based on the feedback from our drought coordinator and we are going to stand by them.”

In response to reports Bourke Shire Council has been forced to delay necessary roadworks as a result of the drought and the increased cost of water carting, Mr Blair acknowledged the transport of extra fodder and moving stock to agistment or sale was having an impact.

The matter has been raised with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Roads. 

Earlier in the week government copped a spray from NSW Farmers rural affairs committee chair Sonia O’Keefe over alleged duplication of duties by appointing a drought coordinator. 

Mr Blair said NSW was also working with the Federal government and other states to finalise the new intergovernmental agreement on drought, but  there was no word on whether the new plan will be ready by the time the current edition expires in July. 

Earlier in the week Animal Justice MP Mark Pearson asked Mr Blair why rural police were not issued with charge-fired captive bolt guns, or appropriately calibred rifles, to humanely euthanise injured and drought-affected animals.

Mr Blair said before getting to that point it was crucial producers got in touch with Local Land Sevices, who have qualified vets to deal with euthanising animals where humane.