Farmers in Richmond will benefit from the Federal government’s drought package announced this morning by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of the Nationals Barnaby Joyce.
The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says the $320 million package includes an Interim Farm Household Allowance, concessional loans, additional funding for water-related infrastructure rebates, social support and funding for managing pests in drought-affected areas.
Senator Williams said there will be more generous criteria for accessing income support from the 3rd of March instead of the original date of the 1st of July.
“Drought concessional loans, totalling $280 million, will allow eligible farm businesses to restructure their existing debt or provide finance to meet ongoing costs.
$12 million will be added to existing emergency water infrastructure schemes operating in the States, $10 million in assistance will be available for pest management in drought-affected areas, and $10.7 million to improve access to social and mental health services in affected communities.
This is not a hand-out. It’s a hand-up.
I applaud the Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture for their prompt action, firstly in touring the worst-hit areas, and now coming to the aid of the rural sector battling a natural disaster”, Senator Williams said.