Hartley’s branch of NSW Farmers has welcomed the drought relief assistance funding announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian earlier this week.
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The announcement of its new $500 million drought relief package came just days branch president Rachel Nicoll attended the NSW Farmers conference at Luna Park, which included 300 delegates.
The three major elements of the package include: transport subsidies; cutting fees and charges for farmers including a waiver of Local Land Service rates; and a boost to the Farm Innovation Fund infrastructure program.
Freight subsidies will be backdated to January 1 this year.
“We really find it is a generous package, it’s a great start and we can continue to work on it,” Ms Nicoll said.
Funds will also be available for: counselling and mental health; critical services including transporting water and drought-related road upgrades and repairs; animal welfare and stock disposal.
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“The package will help farmers in all different situations, from those who are reacting to the drought now, to those who reacted 12 months ago,” she said.
“There is also more funding for rural aid, and mental health so that will go a long way in supporting people in these areas.”
On Monday, August 6 the Hartley Valley Farmers branch is hosting a drought meeting in Oberon where farmers can come and participate in a question and answer.
Ms Niccol said it was a positive for producers.
“There is funding out there and we want to help farmers learn how much they can get and where to go to get it, just to offer that extra support.”