The Federal Government will hold a drought roundtable with key farming stakeholders including the National Farmers\u2019 Federation (NFF) to discuss long-term drought policy.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mr Littleproud also announced the government would extend Farm Household Allowance (FHA) from three to four years to help provide more effective drought support.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 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,\u201d Mr Littleproud said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cRFCS in the Victorian Eastern Region will receive $734,000 to extend the current contract,\u201d Mr Chester said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal RFCS counsellors have an important role as drought conditions across the region continue to impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe RFCS is an essential service, helping farming families across Gippsland to access support measures and make plans for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n