Relief package for state’s farmers

A $400,000 State Government drought relief package has been welcomed by the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association.

The package was announced by Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett yesterday at the TFGA’s conference.

It includes $150,000 for the Rural Relief Fund to help those in hardship with direct household and farm-business expenses, and the same amount for the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture to help farmers with strategies for managing grazing, pastures and livestock.

“This was great news for those farmers struggling with dry conditions on the East Coast and the south of the state through to the Midlands,” TFGA chief executive officer Peter Skillern said.

“Rainfall in these areas has been sparse, with relatively no subsoil moisture, which has resulted in the likelihood of a poor season.”

Support service Rural Alive and Well will receive $80,000 to extend outreach services in drought-hit communities.

RAW has been a key support service for those in rural communities for more than 10 years.

“This is great news for the rural Tasmanian community and we must have support from the Tasmanian Government to continue to offer rural outreach support,’’ RAW chief executive officer Barb Walters said.

“This funding assists but we still have a long way to go to ensure communities have the full support services they need to focus on mental health and wellbeing and suicide prevention.”

The TFGA said it would work closely with the Government to implement the drought relief program.