Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced further funding for severely affected farmers battling, what many are calling, Australia‘s worst drought since the 1960s.
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Turnbull announced the news from Forbes, in the Central West region of NSW on Sunday.
In a video posted to his official Facebook page, Turnbull explained 60 councils will receive $1 million each from the federal government – 36 in NSW, 22 in Queensland, and two in Victoria – which can be spent on local infrastructures in the communities.
“It’s really important to get some more cash into those communities to do long overdue work – the type the council are always attending to, and always feel they need more help for – and that’s going to provide more jobs and income into the towns.”
This will bring the federal government’s total support for farmers up to $1.8 billion.
Turnbull also announced the appointment of recently retired Major General Stephen Day as National Drought Co-ordinator.
“He’ll be working with the farmers, with non-profit organisations, with farming organisations, and with drought co-ordinators,” Turnbull said.
The government is also set to double the amount farmers can borrow in concessional loans – from $1 million to $2 million.
Turnbull said the new funding was in response to feedback given by farmers and the wider community.
You can watch the prime minister’s full message, below:
Earlier this month, the NRL pledged $100 for every point scored in the Telstra Premiership Finals Series to the Rural Aid and National Farmers Federation, for farmers heavily affected by the severe drought.
The pledge will be matched by broadcasters Nine through their Nine Cares program, which means $200 will be donated for every point scored.
You can help our farmers by donating to Buy a Bale or by purchasing a bale for $20, pay for Diesel, or water. You can also help pay for hampers from local supermarkets.
If you would like to donate to Buy a Bale, click HERE.
