Local dairy farmers are set to benefit from a package worth almost $8 million assisting the dairy industry to recover and rebuild after devastating floods, as well as better prepare for future disasters.

The Dairy Sector Recovery Strategy will help the dairy industry recuperate and build long-term resilience after the February-March flooding event, benefitting impacted local dairy farmers in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Kiama LGAs.

Coming from a dairy farming family, Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP said she was thrilled to see direct support for this critical industry’s recovery.

“Our dairy farmers are incredibly resilient, but the truth is the last few years of drought, bushfires and floods have been tough on even well-seasoned farmers,” Fiona Phillips said.

“The Albanese Government is taking the challenges of our agriculture sector seriously with targeted support to help impacted industries, and I am delighted to see that flow through to the dairy industry today,” she said.

The package is provided as part of the joint Commonwealth and NSW Government-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, as well as $1.7 million from industry co-contributions to help the sector get back on its feet.

As well as funding disaster recovery and preparedness, the package also includes projects to support workforce attraction and retention, and upskilling the next generation of dairy leaders, something the Gilmore MP is particularly passionate about.

“I don’t want to see our dairy farms shut up shop because they can’t get the workers they need,” Fiona Phillips said.

“We need to be encouraging the next generation into dairy farming, giving local kids good jobs for the future, so it is great to see these initiatives, led by Dairy NSW, receive funding,” she said.

For more information about the Dairy Strategy for Sector Recovery Program, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-recovery-programs/storm-and-flood-recovery/sector-recovery-and-resilience-grant