ONE-STOP SHOP FOR DROUGHT SUPPORT

NATIONALS’ Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is urging farmers in the Riverina and Central West to take advantage of a new drought assistance online resource.

Mr McCormack said farmers could find out what drought assistance was available to them through the recently launched FarmHub website, which brings together the services of the Federal, State and Local Governments as well as charities.

“Farmers can go to the www.farmhub.org.au website and search for localised assistance and support during tough times,” Mr McCormack said.

“The online resource shows what measures are available, such as what water, transport, fodder and living expense assistance is at hand, as well as mental and physical health support.

“The Liberal and Nationals’ Government has been working hard to help our food and fibre producers through this insidious drought and this initiative is another step in the right direction to help farmers find the help they need to get through tough times.”

The information has been collated and verified by the National Farmers’ Federation.

The Federal Government has also launched a National Drought Map which is designed to help co-ordinate the drought response, meaning governments, businesses and communities can make better informed decisions.

The website, https://map.drought.gov.au,  includes information such as rainfall, soil moisture, available government assistance as well as providing data on the number of farm businesses in any given region.

“We are backing our primary producers to get through this drought,” Mr McCormack said.

“We have invested a further $7 billion in new assistance for drought-affected farmers, including the Future Drought Fund which will build resilience moving forward.”