The Federal Government will hold a drought roundtable with key farming stakeholders including the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) to discuss long-term drought policy.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the roundtable would be held in coming weeks to formulate a strategy in the context of building resilience and drought preparedness during a changing climate.
Mr Littleproud also announced the government would extend Farm Household Allowance (FHA) from three to four years to help provide more effective drought support.
Mr Littleproud said the Federal Government provided a range of support measures to assist farming families in hardship, including FHA, the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and Drought Assistance Concessional Loans.
“While FHA is essentially an adjustment payment which comes with free financial counselling to help farmers restructure, four years is a more appropriate timeframe to do this,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This extra time will give them more breathing space to implement plans to become financially self-sufficient so they are better placed to sustain their farming businesses.”
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the roundtable followed a $20 million announcement earlier this month to extend funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
“RFCS in the Victorian Eastern Region will receive $734,000 to extend the current contract,” Mr Chester said.
“Local RFCS counsellors have an important role as drought conditions across the region continue to impact.
“The RFCS is an essential service, helping farming families across Gippsland to access support measures and make plans for the future.”
Mr Chester encouraged farming families impacted by drought conditions to contact their local RFCS counsellor Wayne Jefferis on 1300 045 747 or by email office@rfcsvg.com.au
“It is important farmers do not self-assess and I encourage anyone experiencing difficult times to seek advice – I fear many eligible families have not applied.”
For more information on the support available for farmers, visit: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance/sup-farmers-rural-communities-drought
