- Published:
- Monday 7 December 2015
Assistance for drought affected farming communities continues to roll out across the state with additional targeted support for those impacted the most by dry conditions.
A range of programs are being delivered to support farming communities including farming advice, financial counselling, family support, health programs, emotional help and social events to bring communities together.
Applications for $2000 Stock Containment Area Grants opened this week for farmers in the Wimmera, Mallee, North Central and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) regions.
Expressions of interest are also open for the Drought Employment Program so that farmers and farm workers impacted by drought can undertake paid environmental work for the Wimmera, Mallee and North Central CMAs.
Workshops and information sessions continue to be held across the state to help farmers plan ahead to best manage through the dry season.
More resources have been provided to the Rural Financial Counselling Service to ensure farm businesses have help to manage their finances if they are suffering a downturn due the drought.
In addition to financial counselling, Drought Concessional Loans are available through Rural Finance to eligible farmers across the state, again for those feeling the financial impact from the drought.
Details on the support available to farming communities can be accessed by the Drought Information Line on 136 186 or at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“It’s important that those feeling the effects of the drought know there’s support available – don’t go it alone.”
“As well as support for farmers, the drought assistance available includes health workshops, social programs and financial assistance to helps families with the cost of things like kindergarten and school excursions.”
“With record low rainfall in some areas and a generally dry spring across most of the state, the Andrews Labor Government will continue to seek feedback on how affected communities can be supported through the $27 million drought package.”
“I spoke to drought affected farmers last week in Horsham, I know the support is getting through but there is still more work to be done and I will continue to visit drought affected communities to check in with them to ensure this government is doing all that it can.”