The New South Wales government is undertaking a review of drought support for primary producers with a survey to get feedback from farmers on the measures that worked best in helping them manage with the recent drought.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General Kate Lorimer-Ward said that her department is managing the review on behalf of the NSW Government with a view to improving service delivery and planning for future droughts.
“The NSW Government has been committed to assisting our farmers through the devastatingly dry period, investing more than $4 billion in drought and water infrastructure support,” Lorimer-Ward said.
“This includes more than $1 billion for specific drought support measures through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority to help producers and communities manage the impacts of the drought.”
The study will seek to identify, measure, analyse, and assess the positive impact that the current Drought Package of the NSW government has had on communities affected by drought. The findings of the study will be used to inform future drought policy measures.
“A rigorous evaluation of the support provided was always part of our process to ensure it was providing as much help as possible to the widest range of people,” Lorimer-Ward said.
“The feedback we get from farmers and community members will be critical in this process to ensure people are getting the very best service possible from Government, and that Government investment is delivering value for money.”
The evaluation will focus on the outcomes delivered; the process; and an economic evaluation of two elements – the Farm Innovation Fund and the Emergency Drought Transport Subsidies.
