Jock's Blog

Rollover of drought funding welcome by farmers

While I was up in Brisbane yesterday for the NFF Congress and AGM down in New South Wales the State government announced the continuation of drought transport subsidies and funding for drought support workers; two vital services for drought-affected farmers.

This announcement couldn’t come at a better time for farmers who are facing the prospect of yet another dry and bleak winter here in New South Wales.

The Association lobbied hard to maintain the State government support for our farmers.  The extension includes the rollover of drought transport subsidies for another three months to 30 September 2009.
These subsidies provide vital support to farmers, making it easier for them to access fodder, water and agistment services needed for the welfare of livestock.

Similarly, we are very pleased with the maintenance of funding for drought support workers for another six months to 31 December 2009.

Drought support workers provide vital personal support to farmers and we have long called for the Government to continue this essential service.