The additional $500 million in drought relief support announced this week by the NSW Government has been warmly welcomed by NSW Farmers, but it hasn't come a second too soon.
We're pleased the Premier and Minister for Agriculture both got to meet with our members face to face last week at our annual conference in Sydney, and hear firsthand the daily challenges and farm management decisions they are making to maintain the health and welfare of their livestock during this relentless drought.
Applications for the transport freight subsidies open on August 6. NSW Farmers is working with government to ensure all the support measures are easily accessible to farmers’ right across the state.
The measures announced this week reflect the advocacy work of the Association.
We're pleased freight subsidies will be available to farmers who wish to make use of them.
The government's decision to backdate subsidies recognises planning for drought happens well before the country dries.
RELATED READING:
Drought relief must be fair and equitable and we will continue advocating for the support farmers need to get through this uncertain period.
As there are a number of State and Commonwealth assistance packages now available, farmers who are not sure if they qualify for any of these are encouraged to contact their local Rural Financial Counsellors who can guide them through the options.
Rural Financial Counsellors are funded by the Government, they are not financial advisers, but they are there to work with farmers.
And while we wait for this drought to break, don’t forget to ask your neighbour, “R U OK?” More information on how to start that conversation can be found at www.ruok.org.au
- NSW Farmers’ president James Jackson
