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Grants and awards | October 23, 2015

Kealy – more needed to support farming communities

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has raised concerns in Parliament again this week regarding the impact of the dry seasonal conditions on our food producers.

“I asked the State Government to immediately release funding to enable our local food producers to access drought concessional loans and I am very pleased that this has been made available today,” Ms Kealy said.

“Drought Concessional Loans is just one form of support that will provide some financial relief to our food producers doing it tough this season, however more is still needed.

“Unfortunately the season has been worse than expected, with low rainfall coupled with unseasonably high temperatures devastating our crops and reducing water supplies on farms.

“When speaking to local farmers, I have noted their deep concerns that the Government is not doing enough to support our people and communities during this difficult period.

“Farm businesses are the backbone of our country communities, so when drought strikes it reaches far beyond the farm gate.

“I have called on the State Government to consider the impacts of the season on the wider community, such as schools, local businesses and community organisations, and to ensure support is provided to our people as soon as possible.

“By supporting farmers, we are supporting everyone who lives and works in regional Victoria,” Ms Kealy said.

For more information on the Drought Concessional Loans Scheme visit www.agriculture.gov.au