THE region's drought-stricken farmers are being urged to stay patient for the federal government's latest round of assistance.
Announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison last month, the funding will give farmers access to $3000 cash to help cover costs associated with the worsening drought.
However, some of the region's producers believe they have been left in the dark as to how to apply for the funds and when they will become available.
One such farmer is Goolhi's Laura Jones, who believes the details about the latest support initiative have not been made clear.
"Once we heard there was some new funding available, we were really quick to hit the phones to find out how we access it," Mrs Jones said.
"However, we have been given the run-around because the usual support services claim they don't know how to access the funding, either.
"It's frustrating because while the $3000 won't solve all of our problems, it will certainly help us out with some bills."
Mr Morrison initially suggested the funds would be available through The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.
"When I contacted the Salvos and Vinnies, they didn't know anything about it," Mrs Jones said.
"They do a great job, so I have nothing against them, but I can't imagine I'm the only one hitting these roadblocks.
"We are desperate and I know it doesn't sound like much, but I know this funding would be a big help."
Gunnedah rural financial counsellor Andrew Formann said he had received several calls about the funding.
"Recently, I have had a few queries about how the funding will work and things like that," Mr Formann said.
"From what I understand, the funding is available to everyone and will be strictly cash, not a combination of cash and vouchers like we have had in the past.
"In terms of other details, I haven't been made aware of too much, but I'm confident it will all come out in the wash over the next couple of weeks."
A representative for Parkes MP Mark Coulton said the wheels were in motion to deliver the funding to struggling farmers.
"We are hoping this will be available later this month or early next month, so this can be assessed as quickly as possible" the representative said.
"Cash will be available through The Salvation Army and Vinnies.
"When the program is ready to launch, it will be announced, but in the meantime we encourage people to keep in touch with their rural financial counsellor."
Mr Formann said he had seen a spike in farmers seeking assistance in recent months.
"I have been in this role for the past 12 months and it has certainly become a lot busier in the past three months or so," he said.
"I'm here to help, so if anyone needs help I'm only a phone call away."
This article first appeared in the Northern Daily Leader
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
