Thousands of bales of donated hay are making their way from Western Australia to South Australia, to support farmers impacted by drought.
The South Australian Government has covered transport costs for charities to deliver over 12,000 tonnes of donated fodder to almost 1400 farms across the state, with more deliveries on the way – through its $73 million Drought Support Package.
The most recent hay run, supported by Rotary Clubs of South Australia and Farmers Relief Agency, saw 40 tonnes of hay from Western Australia delivered to farmers near Meadows in the Adelaide Hills.
“Recent heavy rain is welcome but there isn’t enough fodder on the ground to feed stock,” said Marisa Bell, Labor candidate for Heysen.
“The impacts of drought are felt across the townships of Heysen and I’m proud that our State Government is creating a pathway for farmers to access relief.”
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions’ (PIRSA) biosecurity division has been working with charitable organisations such as Farmers Relief Agency and the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association to help facilitate bringing hay into the state from Western Australia while still protecting the state from biosecurity threats – such as Green Snail which have been detected in certain areas of Western Australia and Victoria and Red Imported Fire Ants from parts of New South Wales and Queensland.
PIRSA recently made changes to biosecurity requirements for importing hay from Western Australia, arranging updated mapping to allow hay from regions in Western Australia deemed at low risk of Green Snail to be safely imported.
The State Government has waived biosecurity inspection fees for charities, farmers and those importing fodder from interstate due to the hardship being felt due to the drought.
“We have been working hard to remove barriers and ensure the process of bringing hay into South Australia from Western Australia is as smooth as possible, whilst also conducting the necessary inspections to protect our state against pests,” said Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forestry, Clare Scriven.
“We know that the impact from this drought will continue to be felt for some time to come, which is why the rain won’t dampen our efforts to ensure support reaches where it’s needed.”
Along with Farmers Relief Agency, the State Government is also actively working with Rural Aid, Need for Feed, Rapid Relief Team and the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association to support donated hay runs to farmers in need.
Rotary South Australia’s Drought Relief Project Manager Bill Marles commented, “Rotary Clubs exist to passionately support their local communities, and never has the need been so great. Over $550,000 has been raised so far, and we have recently needed to increase our fundraising goal to $1,500,000 to be able to help the more than 500 farmers who are still waiting.
“Our grateful thanks to the State Government for covering the transport costs.”
Farmers Relief Agency Director Michael O’Keeffe added, “Our partnership with Rotary and the State Government has been a breath of fresh air, helping us to focus on securing very high-quality feed supplies.
“The tears of joy we witness as a truck pulls through a farming family’s gate is very moving.”