Coalition pledges nearly $60million towards drought stricken farmers and communities – with a big chunk to go towards financial counsellors
- Coalition government pledged nearly $60 million to drought stricken farmers
- Scott Morrison delivered news alongside Nationals leader Michael McCormack
- Government promised to set aside $57.4 million to help farmers in time of need
- Mr Morrison visited Dubbo farm to draw attention to struggle of farming families
The Coalition government has pledged nearly $60 million towards drought stricken farmers and communities.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement alongside Nationals leader Michael McCormack and Agriculture Minister David Littleproud at a Dubbo farm, about 400kms north-west of Sydney.
Of the promised $57.4 million, $36.4 million will permanently raise the asset threshold for farm household assistance payments to $5 million.
Included in the substantial package is $7 million, to help rural financial counsellors - the 'angels' of the drought, according to Mr Morrison.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison (centre) made the announcement alongside Nationals leader Michael McCormack (right) and Agriculture Minister David Littleproud (left, behind Mr Morrison) at a Dubbo farm, about 400kms north-west of Sydney
Of the promised $57.4 million, $36.4 million will permanently raise the asset threshold for farm household assistance payments to $5 million (stock image of drought affected NSW)
Included in the substantial package is $7 million, to help rural financial counsellors - the 'angels' of the drought, according to Mr Morrison (stock image of drought affected NSW)
'They have sat down around kitchen tables with station owners and others all around the country to help them prepare and get through this difficult period,' he said.
Another 14 local councils in drought-affected regions will get $1 million grants, taking the total number to 110.
Mr Morrison noted the money would go a long way to relieve stress for many families.
The prime minister visited Kevin and Robyns West's farm, a 1,300 acre property at Dubbo to draw attention to the everyday struggle of farmers.
The Wests are grappling with sustained dry conditions on their 1,300 acre property.
The family has since been forced them to de-stock from 900 to 400 sheep to make loan and machinery payments.
Share this article
'I'm not alone. I've got a few mates,' Kevin said at Globelands, his farm north of Dubbo.
He's hoping last year's fertiliser will have hung around in the ground long enough to help this year's crop.
'He hasn't even looked at fertiliser this year - that's really worrying,' Mr McCormack told reporters after touring their farm.
The Wests' grandson Darcy Joesephs, 2, helped his grandfather and the politicians throw some hay into a paddock for some appreciative cattle.
Mr Morrison also used the opportunity to attack Labor for not supporting the $3.9 billion Future Drought Fund.
Labor leader Bill Shorten said the opposition would look at the new package.
'We're up for helping,' he told reporters in Hobart.
He pointed to Labor's commitment to put a floor price on milk and $100 million for irrigation projects in Tasmania.
Of the promised $57.4 million, $36.4 million will permanently raise the asset threshold for farm household assistance payments to $5 million (pictured, Mr Morrison helps to throw hay at the Dubbo farm)
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
