Farmers across East Gippsland experiencing drought can obtain immediate assistance from the Federal Government.

 

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said a rainfall deficiency measure calculated by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) had replaced the old drought declarations as the trigger for drought assistance measures to commence.

 

“BoM rainfall data shows a serious rainfall deficiency in East Gippsland which means farmers can obtain immediate assistance through the Federal Government’s Farm Household Allowance and Farm Business Concessional Loans,” Mr Chester said.

 

“Farm Household Allowance provides up to three cumulative years of support for eligible farmers and farmers’ partners experiencing financial hardship. The allowance is equivalent to the Newstart Allowance and is designed to help recipients meet basic household needs.

 

“The Farm Business Concessional Loans Scheme makes available loans up to a maximum $1 million for a 10 year term with interest only repayment for the first five years. Applications for the loans must be received before June 30, 2018.”

 

State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull is encouraging farmers to contact local Rural Financial Counsellor Wayne Jefferis and confirm what assistance measures are available to each individual.

 

“Local farmers I talk to have been managing the dry conditions for over twelve months now but with the worsening situation many have had to take the tough decision to sell off livestock, in some cases including their breeders,” Mr Bull said.

 

“Our local Agriculture Victoria staff will be conducting more workshops about managing in dry conditions and I would encourage farmers to keep a look out for when a workshop will be held in their local area as these are very helpful.”

 

Wayne Jefferis can be contacted at the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria – Gippsland on 0429 991 956 or by emailing him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Caroline Love can be contacted at Agriculture Victoria on 0427 515 668