Farmers urged to help Aussie mates
The NSW government has announced more than A$1 billion in drought relief measures.
Kiwi farmers are being urged to extend the hand of mateship to their drought-stricken Australian counterparts.
Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne said the organisation was working on ways to help farmers hit by severe drought across the Tasman.
Much of southeastern Australia is struggling with drought but conditions in New South Wales are the driest and most widespread since 1965.
The state, which produces about 25 per cent of Australia’s agricultural output, was declared entirely in drought last week and farmers were given authority to shoot kangaroos in an effort to preserve pasture for livestock
Milne said Federated Farmers was exploring ways of supporting affected Australian farmers as many on this side of the Tasman felt helpless.
However, there were practical things people could do, including opening their homes, she said.
‘‘We’re testing the idea that if anyone out there has a couple of spare rooms or a cottage they may want to offer, to let their Australian peers know and give them the opportunity to catch some respite by offering them a place to take a break,’’ Milne said.
‘‘If our Australian friends can grab a cheap seat on a plane and just escape the drought headspace for a couple of days, or weeks, and rest up in New Zealand, that could do wonders for their mental health.
‘‘If there is interest from both sides of the Tasman in this scheme we will work out a way to make that happen.’’
Donating money to drought relief charities was also an option, Milne said.
‘‘If you know an Australian farmer, please check with them about which charity they think you should donate to before you do,’’ she said.
‘‘It might just be that they need you to offer them an ear – let them talk through what is happening to them.’’
According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries, 61 per cent of NSW is either in drought or intense drought, while nearly 39 per cent is drought affected.
The NSW government has announced more than A$1 billion in drought relief measures, which include transport subsidies, waivers on farming costs, further bolstering the Farm Innovation Fund.