Local fre-affected farmers urged to apply for disaster assistance

MEMBER for Lismore Janelle

Saffn is encouraging fre-affected primary producers and landholders in the Kyogle and Tenterfeld Local Government Areas (LGAs) to access disaster assistance in response to recent and ongoing bushfres in those areas.

“Many of the farmers and primary producers in the Kyogle and Tenterfeld areas are already experiencing the adverse effects of an early onset to this year’s bushfre season and I want them to know we are pulling out all stops to support their recovery,” Ms Saffn said.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) to help communities and individuals directly affected by the fres.

The assistance measures include:

• Concessional interest rate loans for primary producers, small businesses and non-proft organisations, with interest rates currently set at 1.79%

• Transport subsidies for primary producers of up to 50% of the total freight cost

• Donated fodder transport subsidies for the costs of donating and transporting donated fodder to affected properties or storage facilities in a central location up to a maximum distance of 1,500 kilometres. Further information, including guidelines, fact sheets and application forms, can be found on the RAA’s website www.raa. nsw.gov.au/disasterassistance or by calling the RAA on 1800 678 593.

Fire affected farmers and land managers in these LGAs requiring assistance with livestock assessment, animal welfare and veterinary assistance can contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 to access support.