APPLICATIONS are now open for drought-affected farmers in Victoria under the 2015–16 round of the Drought Concessional Loans scheme.
A total of $30 million is available for loans in Victoria under the scheme during 2015‑16.
In a joint statement released today, federal Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Barnaby Joyce, and Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford, said the scheme would help those doing it tough to manage through drought and to fund drought recovery and preparedness activities.
Ms Pulford urged Victorian farmers experiencing financial stress as a result of worsening conditions to seek advice about concessional loans and other support measures available.
“We've seen below average rainfall here in Victoria and we know that unfortunately that it is going to get drier,” Ms Pulford said.
“In recent weeks I have visited drought affected areas and seen first-hand the impact these conditions are having on our farming families and their communities.”
Mr Joyce said 124 farm businesses across Victoria had already been approved for a loan under the federal government’s concessional loans schemes.
"The Ag White Paper allocated $25.8 million to tackle pest animals and weeds in drought-affected areas—applications are already open in Queensland for pest and weed control programmes, and we are working with the Victorian government to establish funding assistance for pest and weed control," Mr Joyce said.
"We have already rolled out $20 million in additional funding to expand access to community mental health and family support in drought-affected areas, with additional drought coordinators now at work.
"We have also delivered more funding for Rural Financial Counselling Service providers in drought-affected areas; and work is underway on projects to help farmers manage risk by providing more localised, accurate climate forecasts, and to help them evaluate options for insurance and risk management.
"A dedicated ATO hotline for drought-affected taxpayers is also up and running on 13 11 42 (select Option 3). Over 8300 calls have already been made to this new service.
“I strongly encourage any farmer thinking about applying for a concessional loan or any other assistance measure to talk to someone at Rural Finance, their local rural financial counseling service or the Department of Human Services to find out more about their options."
For more information about drought concessional loans contact Rural Finance on 1300 796 101.