Advocacy Groups Call for Increased Funding in State Budget

Strategic Insights -

As the 2025-26 State Budget approaches, various agricultural advocacy groups have submitted their wishlist to the State Government, highlighting key areas of investment for the region's producers. Grain Producers SA (GPSA) and Livestock SA have outlined their priority areas, ranging from drought relief and road infrastructure to sustainability and digital connectivity. The groups are urging the Government to address the severe drought affecting the region and provide targeted support for producers facing cashflow challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grain Producers SA is calling for a dedicated Regional Road Maintenance Fund and urgent upgrades to roads identified in their Worst Grain Road Report.
  • GPSA is advocating for practical, meaningful drought support measures, including council rate relief, rural financial counselling, and business support facilitators.
  • The organization is also seeking further investment in agrichemical safety, harvest-preparedness, and water security on the Eyre Peninsula.
  • GPSA has proposed funding for outbound bursaries to support global learning and innovation in the grain industry.
  • Livestock SA's wishlist includes a third drought support package, with funding commitments for long-term recovery programs, and eID stage 2 implementation, including double-tagging of older sheep and regional training and support.
  • The organization is also requesting $3.6m for enhanced biosecurity of truck wash facilities, $10m for wild dog controls, and $20m per year for regional roads.

Statistics:

  • Grain Producers SA is seeking $73 million for drought support, with a dedicated Regional Road Maintenance Fund and urgent upgrades to roads identified in their Worst Grain Road Report.
  • The organization is also requesting a grants program to help producers invest in better water storage and efficiency, with a focus on the Eyre Peninsula.
  • Livestock SA is calling for $11.8 million for eID stage 2 implementation and $20m per year for regional roads.
  • The organization is also seeking $1.2m for carbon baselining and monitoring, and $10m for wild dog controls.

Sources:

  • Grain Producers SA - GPSA chief executive officer Brad Perry
  • Livestock SA - request for eID stage 2 implementation and regional roads funding
  • Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Ben Hood - call for increased road safety maintenance spending in the Budget.