Federal MP welcomes SA Government support

MEMBER for Barker Tony Pasin MP has welcomed the South Australian Government’s commitment of $2 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers feeding livestock as part of a drought support package.

The announcement comes three weeks following Mr Pasin’s calls for a fuel subsidy during Aussie Hay Runners inaugural trip into South Australia

Mr Pasin said organisations such as Aussie Hay Runners delivering feed to livestock in drought impacted regions were donating their time, fodder and heavy vehicles for the task. Financial assistance for these organisations to pay for freight costs will be greatly welcomed.

“Regions of our State are experiencing the driest conditions on record and our livestock producers are struggling as fodder prices soar with quality feed becoming increasingly difficult to find,” Mr Pasin said.

“Getting fodder to where it’s needed is no small task and the organisers of various hay runs do an amazing job to support our Aussie livestock producers in times of drought.

“I’m so pleased that my advocacy to the South Australian State Government has resulted in a funding commitment to contribute to the freight costs of transporting this much needed fodder.

Mr Pasin said he looks forward to welcoming more fodder into South Australia in the next few months to assist drought-stricken farmers and the wider South Australia’s livestock industry.

Linda Widdup of Aussie Hay Runners thanked Mr Pasin for his support.

“The announcement today that includes funding for fodder transport will make a huge difference and I thank Tony for his advocacy,” Linda said.

“Without leaders like Tony that are willing to stand up for our farmers when times get tough I don’t know where our regions would be. Our Aussie farmers are the ones putting food on our table and clothes on our back and anything we can do to take some of that mental strain off their shoulders is worth doing during a drought.

“I know Tony gets it and is making a difference. In times of despair Tony Pasin cares.”