The Queensland Department of Industry Resources and Development (QRIDA) recognises the challenges faced by farmers and has introduced the Drought Preparedness Grant to provide essential assistance. This grant is designed to help primary producers bolster their farm's resilience against drought conditions and ensure their long-term sustainability.

Angie Barnard, Managing Director of Synergy Consolidated, emphasises the significance of drought preparedness: "Agriculture is the backbone of our communities, and our primary producers need support to weather these challenging times. The Drought Preparedness Grant is a lifeline for those who feed our nation."

What Assistance Is Available?

Primary producers can now access a grant that covers 25 percent of the cost of purchasing new permanent capital infrastructure. This grant offers a cumulative amount of up to $50,000 over five years, providing financial relief to producers facing the challenges of drought.

"This grant is more than financial support; it's a vote of confidence in our primary producers. It's a recognition of their resilience and a helping hand to ensure they can continue producing food for our communities” Angie added.

The grant aims to support primary producers in implementing new permanent capital improvements and conducting drought preparedness activities outlined in their Farm Business Resilience Plan. These activities include:

1. Water Infrastructure: This covers a wide range of improvements, from pipes and water tanks to new dam construction and water conservation infrastructure.
2. Storage and Equipment: Producers can invest in storage, mixing, and feeding equipment for grain, fodder, molasses, and other supplements. Grain storage and equipment that enhances drought management are also eligible.
3. Freight Costs: Reasonable freight components for purchasing and installing equipment or infrastructure are included.
4. Consumables: This category covers costs like fuel for machinery used in drought preparedness projects and contractor expenses directly associated with implementation.

A QRIDA Sustainability Loan can be used as a co-contribution to the Drought Preparedness Grant for project implementation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Drought Preparedness Grant, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

1. Primary Producer Status: At least one person in the primary production business must meet the definition of a primary producer.
2. Contribution Ability: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide the remaining contribution to the grant requested.
3. Regulatory Approvals: Necessary regulatory approvals for the project must be obtained.
4. Farm Business Resilience Plan: Applicants must present a Farm Business Resilience Plan that aligns with the guidelines provided by QRIDA.

Applicants should not have applied for certain other forms of assistance in the past six months, and they must not have previously received a Drought Preparedness Grant for the same project activity.

Example

Consider Jamie, a primary producer facing the challenge of drought. By creating a comprehensive Farm Business Resilience Plan, Jamie identifies that installing three large feed storage sheds will significantly enhance their farm's resilience.

After obtaining quotes for the sheds, Jamie discovers that the total cost is $230,000. To alleviate some of the financial burden, Jamie applies for a Drought Preparedness Grant, seeking to cover up to 25 percent of the construction cost, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000.

Jamie submits their quotes and Farm Business Resilience Plan to QRIDA for review. Meeting all eligibility criteria, Jamie is approved for the Drought Preparedness Grant, receiving $50,000, as it does not exceed 25 percent of the capital infrastructure cost.

This financial support empowers Jamie to proceed with the construction of the feed storage sheds, fortifying their farm against drought.

Drought preparedness is not just a wise investment; it's a necessity for primary producers. The QDIRA Drought Preparedness Grant is a lifeline, offering financial support to implement vital infrastructure and resilience-building measures.

To safeguard your farm's future in the face of drought, explore the opportunities provided by this grant and take the first step towards a more resilient agricultural enterprise.

Synergy Consolidated is here to assist you throughout the application process and help you secure the support you need to thrive even in challenging times.