More drought support for Aussie farmers

Drought support efforts across western Queensland, NSW and Victoria are being ramped up as farming towns face the worst dry spell in more than 50 years.

A lamb is seen standing next to its dead mother

Councils in western Qld, NSW and Victoria will be given $1m to spend on anything drought related. (AAP)

NEW DROUGHT RELIEF FOR FARMING TOWNS

* 60 councils across western Queensland, NSW and Victoria will be handed $1 million to spend on anything from drinking water to community facilities

* The amount farmers can borrow in low-interest concessional loans to pay for fodder and water will be doubled to $2 million

* The cost of fodder storage facilities can now be deducted immediately rather than depreciated over three years

* Total amount available for farming loans in any one year will also be doubled to $500 million

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED DROUGHT SUPPORT

* Up to $12,000 for drought-affected farmers in the southern half of the country

* Up to $1 million for community-led mental health and community resilience initiatives

* Farm Household Allowance scheme scheme extended from three to four years, giving farmers access to a payment equivalent to the unemployment benefit (about $16,000 a year)

* Queensland has allocated more than $670 million to grants, loans, infrastructure projects and climate change programs

* NSW has provided an extra $500 million in support, including $190 million in transport subsidies

CHARITY EFFORTS

* Australian Red Cross disaster relief and recovery appeals will run until the end of August

* Salvation Army rural chaplains are visiting farms and communities, distributing food hampers, helping with bills, household jobs, work around the farm and emotional support

* An online initiative aimed at children encourages them to donate $5 to drought-stricken farmers

CORPORATE SUPPORT

* The big banks have promised not to charge affected farmers higher default interest rates on loan repayments, and to offset farm management deposits

* Coles has stumped up $5 million in grants and interest-free loans from its Nurture Fund, while funds raised in supermarkets go to the Country Women's Association

* Woolworths has pledged $1.5 million to Rural Aid's Buy a Bale program and contributed a share of their fresh food sales to farmers


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Source: AAP


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More drought support for Aussie farmers | SBS News