The state government has announced an extension to its drought relief package to assist farmers across the Hunter.
An extra $284 million is being added to provide farmers with low-interest loans of up to $250,000 to improve farm infrastructure, and interest-free loans of $50,000 dollars over seven years to help pay for fodder and water infrastructure.
A further $4 million is going towards mental health support for drought-affected communities.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald is urging landholders to check up on their eligibility.
"I just would urge people thinking about this, don't make the mistake of self-assessing," he explained, "go in, talk to Hunter Local Land Services, the DPI or the Rural Assistance Authority...
"Have a chat to them, don't be left wondering whether you might or might not be eligible - it costs nothing to pick up the phone, talk about the circumstances and see if you can fit into this range of programs," Mr MacDonald concluded.
Contact details:
Rural Assistance Authority: 1800 678 593 or www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Hunter LLS (02) 49 301 030 and www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au
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| Dry Upper Hunter. Image: PowerFM |
